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BRIGHT - POREPUNKAH - MT BEAUTY - TAWONGA - TAWONGA SOUTH Wednesday, April 2, 2025

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BACK DAYLIGHT SAVING ENDS

on Sunday, April 6 at 3am (EST) you need to put your clocks BACK by one hour.

160kg giant pumpkin wins title Page 18

HOPPING INTO TAWONGA’S 180TH CELEBRATIONS

HUNDREDS of people helped celebrate Tawonga’s 180th anniversary on the weekend, with hessian sack races just one of the fun activities for the children.

A bush dance, historical exhibits and other community events were also part of the celebrations. Full stories pages 10, 11.

PHOTO: Jooyon Kang

Bright avenge grand final defeat SPORT

Candidates campaign Battle lines for Indi electorate have been drawn with federal election called for 3 May

THE battle for the federal seat of Indi has begun in earnest, with candidates quickly pivoting into full campaign mode following Prime Minister Anthony Albanese officially dissolving parliament on Friday morning and calling a federal election on 3 May. The announcement, just days after Labor handed down its 2025/26 federal budget, kickstarts a fiveweek election campaign

BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au

for candidates.

Incumbent Independent Helen Haines, Liberal James Trenery, Labor’s Mitch Ridges, The Greens’ Alysia Regan, Family First Party’s Michael White, One Nation’s Athol Thomas and Libertarian Party’s Tim Quilty have already de-

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Jayson Hall

clared their candidacy.

While the Nationals, who polled 3.7 per cent of the primary vote in the 2022 Indi election, are a non starter, other candidates are likely to emerge before nominations close on April 10.

Incumbent Independent MP Helen Haines will be seeking her third term this election and said she would be fighting for what matters to Indi, not party politics.

“We set our own priori-

ties right here in Indi and I’ll keep fighting for a fair deal for us and for regional Australia,” she said.

Dr Haines outlined key election pledges going into her campaign would include the Border community’s fight for a new Albury-Wodonga hospital, further local infrastructure to unlock new housing, improve health services, access to childcare and telecommunications and

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government accountability.

“I’ve got a strong track record and worked across party lines and with governments of both stripes,” she said.

“Whether that’s been fighting for stranded communities during the pandemic, relief for communities impacted by bushfires, shaping the national agenda with housing solutions, and securing a National AntiCorruption Commission,

I’ve had local impact and national influence.

“We share a vision of what Indi is and could be.”

Liberal candidate James Trenery is looking to win the Indi seat for his party for the first time in 12 years.

For the Liberals to overcome the orange wave, Mr Trenery would need to pull off a near nine per cent swing from the 2022 election.

■ Continued page 2 ■ More stories page 2

Page 2 - THE OBSERVER / TIMES, Wednesday, April 2, 2025

myrtlefordtimes.com.au

FEDERAL ELECTION

Greens hope to sow seeds of Trenery doubles change with Indi candidate down on

By SHAUN MCMAHON COMMUNITY advocate Alysia Regan has been announced as the Greens candidate for the seat of Indi in the federal election, pledging to push for climate action, affordable housing and a stronger regional voice in Canberra.

Ms Regan, who has previously stood as a Greens candidate for the District of Sandringham in the 2022 Victorian state election, and in the 2024 Bayside council election, brings a background in not-for-profit work, community advocacy and early childhood education.

She currently divides her time between metropolitan Melbourne and her family’s farm in Taggerty, in the Murrindindi Shire.

“My family have been proud Murrindindi Shire small business owners in the town of Taggerty for 45 years,” she said.

“I work on my primary producing farm on weekends and during school holidays, with my three daughters who enjoy riding their motorbikes around the 125 acre property.”

Ms Regan has served on campaign and branch com-

mittees for the Bayside Glen Eira Greens and has been nominated for several civic awards, including the Victorian Disability Awards, as well as council’s Woman of the Year and Citizen of the Year.

“I have a strong history in advocacy across the not-forprofit, community and early childhood education sectors,” she said.

“I’ve been recognised for promoting rights for people with disability.”

In announcing her candidacy for Indi, Ms Regan said she would be a voice for regional communities.

“We’re in a housing crisis and regional Victoria is being left behind,” she said.

“In Indi, more than 40 per cent of renters are experiencing rental stress.”

Ms Regan criticised the major parties for continuing to support fossil fuel projects, arguing the electorate is already bearing the brunt of climate change.

“Labor and the Coalition are both backing new coal and gas and worsening the climate crisis,” she said.

“Meanwhile, regional Victoria is experiencing more climate-related disasters, including bushfires and floods.”

nuclear

By STEVE KELLY

ON THE TRAIL: Alysia Regan will contest the federal seat of Indi for the Greens.

Ms Regan said the Greens’ platform offers voters a real alternative.

“I’m proud to be part of a party that is fighting for no new coal and gas, publicly

owned renewable energy, cheaper groceries, and a rent freeze,” she said.

“We want to make big corporations pay their fair share of tax and fund things

we all need, like dental and mental health into Medicare and government-built homes to rent and buy.

“If you want change, it’s time to vote for it.”

Battle lines for Indi electorate drawn: federal election 3 May ENROL TO VOTE The Australian Electoral Commission has advised that you must be correctly enrolled by 8pm Monday, 7 April, to vote in the federal election.

For more details go to the AEC website.

■ From page 1

He said he is looking to deliver on the community’s call for change.

“Here in the North East, the past three years have been tough… we have not got our fair share,” the former Indigo Shire councillor said.

Mr Trenery has pledged to follow through with his party’s plan to halve the fuel excise and drop the price of fuel by around 24 cents per litre, as well as delivering on cheaper energy with a mix of renewables, and “getting tough” on violent crime.

“Our Liberal plan will lower the cost of living immediately,” he said.

“We can’t afford another three years of Labor and Helen Haines.”

Wodonga social worker Mitch Bridges will be vying for the seat as Indi’s Labor candidate, and said this election “is a clear choice between Labor building Australia’s future and strengthening Medicare with an $8.5b boost, or Peter Dutton, who will cut services and make you pay”.

“I’m committed to supporting our community with real solutions... under the Albanese Government, we’ve eased cost-of-living pressures through energy bill relief, tax cuts, and investments in affordable housing and childcare,” he said.

“We’re also improving the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)

to make medicines more affordable, and our industrial relations reforms have improved working conditions and provided better security for workers.”

Taggerty-based Alysia Regan, who is The Greens’ candidate, said the Indi electorate was being left behind in terms of housing.

“This election, we can’t keep voting for the same two parties and expect a different result,” she said.

“Labor and the Coalition are both backing new coal and gas and worsening the climate crisis… meanwhile, regional Victoria is experiencing more climate-related disasters, including bushfires and floods.

“I’m proud to be part of a party that is fighting for no new coal and gas, publicly owned renewable energy, cheaper groceries, and a rent freeze.”

Family First Party of Australia

MYRTLEFORD

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have announced Michael White as their candidate for the Indi seat while Wodonga accountant and former councillor and state upper house MP Tim Quilty is running for the Libertarian Party.

Athol Thomas of Wodonga and the Kiewa Valley will stand for One Nation, hoping a background in cattle farming and focus on the agricultural sector will bring him votes.

“I want to provide an alternate for a lot of people who have become disenfranchised with Liberal in particular,” he said.

“One Nation policies are fantastic policies that are clearly geared towards the reduction of cost-of living, reduction of energy costs and future growth for Australians.

“They’re all policies that impact Indi quite significantly and I don’t know if Helen Haines has presented NEWSPAPER DEADLINES: Display ads - Bookings 2pm Thursday - Copy 10am Friday Classifieds - 3pm Monday General News - 10am Monday Sports results - 10am Monday Letters - 5pm Friday

anything forward in her six years of being in parliament that have assisted the electorate in any of those ways.

“People really need to delve deeper into what political parties offer... it’s not just what’s at face value that comes across a lot of mainstream media.”

One Nation tallied the fourth most primary votes in the 2022 election under candidate Beth Stevens, with 5.28pc.

Other parties to have candidates run in the last election including the Animal Justice Party and United Australia Party (Trumpet of Patriots Party) have yet to announce if they’ll contest Indi.

Indi has been held by an Independent since Cathy McGowan beat then Liberal incumbent Sophie Mirabella at the 2013 election.

LIBERAL candidate for Indi, James Trenery, is fully supporting his party’s policy to build nuclear power stations if the Coalition wins government.

It comes after Liberals Against Nuclear launched an advertising campaign against the party’s plan to build nuclear power plants.

The group asserted that the party had gone silent on nuclear energy in its advertising, which the group said confirms the policy does not have internal party support.

Liberals Against Nuclear spokesperson Andrew Gregson said they avoid mentioning nuclear in their advertising because they know voters don’t want it.

“If the party leadership knows this policy is unpopular enough to hide from voters, they should abandon it so they can win the election and put Peter Dutton in the Lodge,” Mr Gregson said.

Mr Trenery defended the policy and highlighted the high cost of energy and Labor’s promise that Australians power bills would be $275 lower.

He said families and businesses are paying up to $1300 more than Labor promised.

“Australians now pay among the highest electricity prices in the world, far higher than nations which have nuclear in the mix,” Mr Trenery said.

“Australia sits idle while other nations pledge to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050 and companies like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and Oracle pour billions into nuclear energy to power AI and data centers.”

Mr Trenery said under Anthony Albanese, Australia is now the only G20 nation not using nuclear energy or moving in that direction and it’s “a global embarrassment caused by Labor’s ideological obsession”.

“Labor’s failure to even consider nuclear energy puts Australia at odds with its AUKUS allies, who are making nuclear a cornerstone of their energy, defence and climate strategies,” he said.

“While countries like the US, UK, and Canada are leveraging nuclear to meet their net-zero targets and ensure energy security, Labor’s ideological obstruction leaves Australia isolated, cut off from key global trends.”

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THE OBSERVER / TIMES, Wednesday, April 2, 2025 - Page 3

myrtlefordtimes.com.au

Community meal helps seal funds for doctor’s memorial

By PHOEBE MORGAN

like to thank the community for such a resounding ‘yes’ to A SMORGASBORD dinner was the memorial and “helping us get over the line with the funds recently held at the Savoy Club needed for the project”. in Myrtleford, as a fundraiser “Thanks also to the Savoy towards the memorial bust of Club for their support and the late Dr Peter Broughton organisation and for the deli(pictured) to be installed in cious meal.

Myrtleford’s Jubilee Park.

“We’ll keep the community Memorial group member Aninformed with updates about ita Toner said the group would

the memorial as time goes on.”

Plans to install a bust and plaque in Jubilee Park to commemorate the valuable contribution made by Dr Broughton continue.

Donations towards the bust can still be made at the WAW Bank in Clyde Street.

“The plaque is on the go and the bust will take another

couple of months to arrange,” fellow memorial organiser, Julie Brandellero said.

“If there are any donations still coming in that are excess to our needs, they will be directed to Barwidgee Lodge or the Myrtleford Hospital to support local medical services in the area in Dr Broughton’s honour.”

Hops harvested, now time to christen HPA’s Myrtleford processing facility HOP Products Australia (HPA) has finished picking this season’s hops harvest and is expected to begin processing in its new multimillion dollar state-of-theart Hops Central facility in Myrtleford from as early as this week.

HPA Victorian farm manager Aaron Bailey said both yield and quality of the hops

harvested throughout the Alpine Valleys was good.

“The conditions have been perfect for the most part, with warm and dry days, and calm and cool nights,” he said.

“HPA’s Victorian hop harvest started on March 5 and since then we’ve been operating 24 hours a day, six days a week.

“To meet the required throughput, our team of 45 permanent staff grows by around 240 casual staff over harvest.”

HPA’s Hop Central facility has been developed at the former Tobacco Cooperative of Victoria (TVC) property, with works over the pasts two years seeing the expansive four separate buildings,

totalling more than 22,000 square metres, now home to a pellet plant, packaging line and cold storage facility.

HPA, which is Australia’s largest hops grower, aims to effectively double its former processing capacity, with the new Myrtleford facility to support the centralisation of pelleting and packaging

hops from HPA’s Victorian and Tasmanian growing regions, which will total 900 hectares or an estimated 2400 metric tonnes.

HPA’s brewing customers include locals in the High Country brewery system, national craft breweries, as well as international craft breweries.

Approximately 40 per

cent of the crop will remain in the domestic market, with the remaining 60 per cent exported to craft beer markets around the world.

HPA’s board members will visit Myrtleford in late April for a scheduled board meeting and hold an official opening ceremony for the facility.

Grant helps RSL upgrade furniture

By PHOEBE MORGAN THE Myrtleford RSL has recently acquired a number of new chairs and couches after receiving a grant from Nutrien Ivone Ag Solutions via their community grants program.

One of a number of grants received, the branch applied for $4800 to put towards the new collection, which includes eight individual seats, a pair of three-seater couches and a pair of two-seater couches.

Myrtleford RSL past president, Bryan Meehan, said $10,000 was spent on the new items of furniture, with the RSL making up the difference.

“The only thing we want to do now is install standing lamps and some more coffee tables, so members can use the space for reading,” he said.

“We were looking for furniture that was strong, comfortable and easy to get in and out of.

“The Myrtleford sub branch wishes to sincerely thank Nutrien Ivone Ag Solutions for their support and in particular,

SESSION TIMES APR 03 - 09 A MINECRAFT LOVE OF AN ICON: MOVIE [PG 100’] THE LEGEND OF Thu: 6:45pm CROCODILE Fri: 1:00pm, 5:00pm DUNDEE [PG 88’] Sat: 12:30pm, 6:45pm Sun: 10:30am, 2:30pm Mon: 12:30pm, 6:45pm Tue: 10:30am, 2:30pm, 6:45pm Wed: 2:15pm, 4:15pm, 6:30pm

DOG MAN [G 95’]

CHEERS: Nutrien Ivone Ag Solutions’ Myrtleford branch manager Bernard Ivone (left) and Myrtleford RSL past president Bryan Meehan tested out the new furniture.

Myrtleford’s branch manager, Bernard Ivone.

“Without the help of the grant we received, this wouldn’t have happened.”

Mr Ivone said Nutrien was happy to be of assistance.

“It’s good to be able to help the

RSL with their grant,” he said.

The new furniture is the most recent step in the RSL’s overall plan to upgrade the building.

“We wanted to buy the furniture for our members to use as well as other groups who use the facility,” Mr Meehan said.

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“Some people might not have air conditioning at their place, so they can come here for a few hours reprieve.”

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Get your Myrtleford Times & Alpine Observer delivered to your door every week For more information contact your local newsagent or the Myrtleford Times & Alpine Observer on 5723 0100.

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Page 4 - THE OBSERVER / TIMES, Wednesday, April 2, 2025

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DOWN

DOWN 2 King of the fairies King of the fairies 323 Got up Got up Ancient tongue 44 Ancient tongue Bear witness to 556 Bear witness to Musical composition 67 Musical Cover withcomposition wax

By FAY MASON, Kiewa Valley Correspondent Fay, who is also a regular host on Alpine Radio, can 0410 738 266,

39

ACROSS State of decay 7118Cover with ACROSS 1 Faithful Wearied withwax tediousness Donkey Slingshots 816State of decay 1 5Faithful 9 Wholly engrossed 17 Empty 27 24 25 26 11 Wearied with 28 52310Donkey Abnormally fat 19 Metal Worth engrossed 21tediousness Agitate 912Wholly 29 30 13 Singer 22 Business transaction 16 Slingshots 10 fat 14 Abnormally Weak 32 glue 33 24 Likeness 31 15 Worth Sphere of action 25 Empty Celtic chief’s heir elect 17 12 16 Gathering of witches 26 Aquatic fish-eating 34 35 19 Metal 13 18 Singer Location animals 20 Weak Soon glue 27 Agitate Time of holding 14 37 21 36 21 Bestride 28 Traditional story 22 transaction 15 ofperformance action 38 39 with Golden Touch 23 Sphere Trial acting 30 Business King 27 Gathering Soft powder of witches 24 Likeness (myth) 16 29 Place of trade 32 Musical group ACROSS 8 State of decay 25 Celtic chief’s heir 18 30 Location Affray 131Faithful 11 Wearied with tediousness Of a city elect 20 Soon 533Donkey 16 Slingshots Counterpart 934Wholly engrossed 26Empty Aquatic fish-eating 21 Bestride 17 Nimble 1035Abnormally fat 19 Metal Low sand hills animals 23 Trial acting Solution No.14382 1236Worth 21 Agitate Fork spikes 27Business Time oftransaction holding performance 1337Singer 22 Bellow 14 glue 24 Likeness 38Weak Apple Isle (abb) 28 Traditional story 27 Soft powder 1539Sphere action 25 Celtic chief’s heir elect Out of of 30Aquatic King with Golden 29Gathering Placesorts ofoftrade 16 witches 26 fish-eating 18 Location animals (myth) DOWN Touch 30 Affray 202Soon 27 Time of holding King of the fairies 32 Musical group 31 Of a city 213Bestride 28 Traditional story Got up 23 acting performance 30 King with Golden Touch 4Trial Ancient tongue 33 Counterpart 275Soft powder (myth) Bear witness to 346Place Nimble 29 of trade 32 Musical group Musical composition 30 Cover with wax 357Affray Low sand hills 31 Of a city 36Counterpart Fork spikes 33 34 37Nimble Bellow 35 Low sand hills SOLUTION Solution No.14382 38Fork Apple Isle (abb) 36 spikes 37 Bellow 39 Out of sorts

38 Apple Isle (abb) 39 Out of sorts

Tawonga community celebrated 180th in style be contactedon

15 19

myrtlefordtimes.com.au

or email faymariemason@ gmail.com

TAWONGA township came alive last weekend in a big way.

The celebrations for the town’s 180 year anniversary started with the bush dance on Friday, and there was a huge crowd gathered at Pioneer Park to attend the official ceremony on Saturday.

Tawonga District Community Association (TDCA) president Mark Redmond said it was great to see such a large turn out and support.

At events like this it’s a good way of catching up with old friends.

There was a huge cake for the official ceremony with Ovens Valley state MP Tim Mc Curdy in attendance.

The wonderful TDCA volunteers worked all day cooking a free sausage sizzle.

Children enjoyed the baby animals, chicks, rabbit kittens, alpaca, chooks and more.

An amazing display in the Tawonga hall showed many photographs and items from the beginning of the settlement.

The weekend finished with a

OFFICIAL CELEBRATION: Joining in the official celebrations at Tawonga’s 180th anniversary were (from left) Dot Higginson, TDCA president Mark Redmond and Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy. church service on Sunday followed by a Devonshire Tea. Well done Tawonga.

THE Mind Body Wellness Expo will be held on Sunday, 6 April, starting at 10am through til 4 pm, at the Mt Beauty Community Centre.

People can enjoy face reading, psychic readings, pranic healing, pilates and yoga demonstrations (bring your yoga mat).

Neuro scientist Hazel Ray, who bridges science with spirituality, will be the special guest.

She will do workshops, and as singer/ songwriter Hazel will also be singing at the event.

Entry is $5.

For more information call Jenny Rowe on 0437 198 776.

ALPINE FM has a fabulous new program starting tonight at 6pm.

‘Liquorice Allsorts’ , presented

by Jo and Rich, will be a riot of great music and chit chat, so don’t miss this one.

Today on the Brunch program we will have the ‘Ask the Doctor‘

segment with Dr Laura Zagorski at 10.40am, talking about dementia.

Peter Murray from the Bendigo Bank will be my guest at 9.30am on the ‘Getting to Know You’ segment.

Sue White the doggie expert will be talking all things on dog behaviour and diet at 10.10am. and I’ll also be talking with Alpine Shire mayor Sarah Nicholas as 11.10am.

Alpine FM is your emergency station.

THE OBSERVER / TIMES, Wednesday, April 2, 2025 - Page 5

myrtlefordtimes.com.au

Heart health a popular focus in Myrtleford

By PHOEBE MORGAN MORE than 80 people attended last Thursday evening’s ‘Healthy Hearts Community Talk’, hosted by Alba Health at St Paul’s Church in Myrtleford.

Attendees were able to gain expert insights regarding heart disease prevention and management, hear some top tips for maintaining a healthy-heart lifestyle and to find out more about the free Healthy Hearts Program introduced last year.

Program organiser and general practitioner at Alba Health, Dr Justin Donaldson, said the evening went really well, with a great community response.

“The number of audience members who were engaging with the talks was great,”Dr Donaldson said.

“Rebecca Piazza from Flexout Health, Roslyn Bloomer from the PACE program at Alpine Health and our visiting cardiologist, Dr Julian Yeoh, all spoke about the best ways to protect your heart.

“I gave an overview of the program and explained our aims are not just to identify potential heart problems, but also to educate the community.

“Events such as this community talk evening are incredibly helpful to provide a platform for the community to interact with us in an informal manner, outside of making an appointment.

“We’re really grateful for the sup-

COMMUNITY CARDIAC CARE: (from left) Alba Health Dr Alison Mahony, PACE nurse Roslyn Bloomer, cardiologist Dr Julian Yeoh, physiotherapist Rebecca Piazza from Flexout Health, exercise physiologist Greta Donaldson, with husband and program organiser Dr Justin Donaldson at last week’s successful Healthy Heart Community Talk information evening. INSET: ENLIGHTENING EVENING: Bruce and Robin Lamsden from Buckland Valley enjoyed the Healthy Hearts Talk put on by local and visiting medical experts.

PHOTOS: Jennifer Zamperoni port we have received from community, as well as from Dr Julian, Flexout Health, Medtronic who provided funding for the event and to Murray Primary Health Network (PHN).”

Alba Health is also proud to introduce two new hires: nurse prac-

titioner Stephen Voogt who has over 30 years of experience working across the healthcare sector and overseas; and general practitioner Dr Christina Dumitrescu, whose special interests are emergency medicine and mental health, der-

matology, skin checks and minor surgery procedures.

For more information about the Healthy Hearts Program visit: https://albahealth.com.au/healthyhearts-program/ or visit Alba Health’s Facebook page.

Help hospital plan for future health service NORTHEAST Health Wangaratta (NHW) is inviting community members from Alpine Shire to have their say in shaping the future of healthcare services in our region.

As part of the development of the NHW 2025 - 2028 Strategic Plan, it is launching a comprehensive community consultation process to gather valuable insights and feedback.

NHW representatives will be at the Bright Library on Thursday, April 3 from 9.30am to 11.30am to hear from members of the public.

Alternatively, you can complete an online survey (at northeasthealth.org.au/haveyour-say) up until April 17.

NHW CEO Libby Fifis said the consultation process is an opportunity to voice needs, concerns, and ideas to improve service accessibility and quality.

“We value a diverse range of perspectives, including those of First Nations communities, healthcare professionals, local businesses, and community groups,” she said.

“We want to hear from as many people as possible to ensure our strategic plan truly reflects the needs and priorities of the community we serve.

“Every voice matters, and we encourage everyone to take part in this important consultation process.”

Colour Fun Run Alpine Park, Wandiligong April 5 2025 Free Event - All Ages Welcome!

A colourful 3.5km run or walk along The Wandi Trail & Return

Join us from 9am.

Warm-up: 9.15am | Run starts: 9.30am Meet near the Grandstand.

Al’s Skate Co Skateboarding Workshop from 11.30 at the Bright Skate Park. All abilities welcome!

sign up & more info

Prams & wheelchairs welcome. Bikes, scooters, skateboards and dogs are not permitted in the Colour Fun Run to keep the event safe for all participants.

This is a drug, alcohol & smoke-free event.

Alpine Shire Council acknowledge ‘The Community Recovery Hub’ and the support of the Victorian and Australian Governments

Page 6 - THE OBSERVER / TIMES, Wednesday, April 2, 2025

myrtlefordtimes.com.au

Bright students leave classroom to gain experience in workforce

By SINTA O’DONNELL, on work experience BRIGHT P-12 College’s year 10 students swapped the classroom for workplaces last week as they participated in work experience placements.

The program received good feedback from students, whose work placements ranged from nursing to construction.

Year 10 student, Renae Blake, worked in the St John of God Hospital at Geelong, which was arranged by her uncle Michael Borschmann, an otolaryngologist, with help from the school’s careers coordinator, Jane Mildren.

She was able to sit in an operating theatre, walk around with and observe ward nurses as well as a speech pathologist.

Her work hours varied, primarily from 8:30am to 5pm or 7:30am to 4pm.

Renae believes that her work experience further guided her to a career path, or rather away from one.

“I definitely wouldn’t want to be a nurse, surgeon or anaesthetist,” she said, noting that observing surgery wasn’t for her.

Fellow student, Lara Lindner, completed her work experience in Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance at North Melbourne.

To apply for the placement, she was required to fill out forms and give them some background information on herself and her dance abilities.

“Basically, I had to sell myself and tell them why they should accept me,” Lara said.

IN HER SCRUBS: Renae Blake, dressed ready for surgery, enjoyed her week of work placement at St John of God Hospital at Geelong.

MISS FLIPPING THROU OUR CATALOGUE?

FUN TIME: Lara Lindner (centre) met new people and gained valuable experience at her placement at Jason HERE’S THE NEWS: Sinta O’Donnell had a great time working in the Myrtleford and Wangaratta offices, including Coleman’s Ministry of Dance at North touring the press facilities.

PHOTO: Kurt Hickling Melbourne.

It’s Back—Digitally!

She did professional dance lessons with the Ministry of Performing Arts College (MOPAC) high school.

Lara said the experience overall was very enjoyable, but would have liked it if she was able to dance full time over the course of her placement instead of just at high school level.

“Dancing, acting and sing-

ing professionally is something I want for my career,” Lara said.

“The dancing lessons have been very hard, but good.

“I’ve learned a lot and really feel as though it’s helped me to improve.

“It’s shown me what it’s like dancing in a professional environment, taking notes on the rehearsals.”

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very independent yetforthere’s I’ve done aUpdated range ofwith things, the latest products and ready you to browse o from working remotely, in still community.

The most challenging part the Myrtleford office and in has been waiting back on the Wangaratta office.

I’ve learned a lot and really emails or feedback, which B broadened my knowledge of left me not knowing what to do. writing styles.

Overall, I’ve learned a lot After being taught how to write in a journalism style I about what suits me workfeel I’ve improved a great deal. place wise and would love I love the working environ- to pursue a career involving ment in the office, where it’s English and language.

Work experience really aided in helping Bright P-12’s students’ in their journey to future careers and in knowing what suits them or doesn’t.

As for myself, work experience in North East Media, which publishes our weekly Myrtleford Times and Alpine Observer newspapers, has been very enjoyable.

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THE OBSERVER / TIMES, Wednesday, April 2, 2025 - Page 7

myrtlefordtimes.com.au

Good Friday fundraiser gives rise to a magical fairy garden in Myrtleford

By PHOEBE MORGAN

a display set up for her to showcase her needlework and other projects.

MYRTLEFORD’S Geoff “There will also be acand Kathy Dyt are preparing tivities for kids...they can a number of final displays hunt for ornaments in the ahead of their annual displays and when they tick Open Magical Garden and them all off the list, they get Miniature Fantasy Scene a prize. showcase.

“I’m finishing off painting The couple are once more some garden features at the inviting the public to drop moment and I’m still planin and view the colourful ning to start on some new collection on display in the ones.” front and back gardens, Geoff, who is Myrtleford’s filled with whimsical handarea manager for the Good made and second-hand Friday Appeal, said a friend trinkets, with the aim to has offered to add a number bring joy to all attendees, of the High Country miniawith all proceeds raised to ture hut models he has colgo towards this year’s Royal lected to this year’s display.

Melbourne Children’s Hospi“It’s an opportunity for tal Good Friday Appeal. the community to see some The creations started with great local craftsmanship up Kathy making little dioraclose,” he said. mas for their grandchildren “Our friend will lend us 15 several years ago. or 16 of them, which I think “I started with one and will fit in nicely with the it went on from there,” she open garden this year. said.

“There will also be a small “Eventually, we got into GARDEN GAIETY: Kathy and Geoff Dyt’s annual Open Garden showcase is taking shape, set to putting on an entire fairy amaze attendees and raise funds for the Good Friday Appeal.

PHOTOS: Phoebe Morgan raffle on offer, for people who attend the open garden. garden.

“However the main Good “I think the locals will be “The dioramas in the open children play with when “My sisters Cheryl and JulFriday Appeal raffle, which they visit. pleasantly surprised to see garden will be for display ie and I go to op-shops and “Julie is a renowned artist we run at local supermaronly, but I have made other garage sales to find beautiful what we’ve been able to do kets, is going on right now and a quilter: we’ll have dioramas which our grandtrinkets and ornaments. with their old possessions.

and will be drawn on Good Friday.

“Last year the Myrtleford district raised over $33,000.

“Hopefully we are able to do something similar again this year.”

The raffle’s first-prize winner will have the choice of either a Greenpower 60V Blower Kit, donated by Ovens Valley Chainsaws and Lawnmowers, valued at $449 or an Endota Spa Rejuvenate Package, including a 120-minute treatment of massage, facial, cleanse, destress and refresh session, valued at $330.

The raffle’s third prize is an Endota Spa Travel Case, which contains a number of quality skincare products.

The fourth prize is a Cadbury Easter hamper, donated by the Good Friday Appeal, which is full of scrumptious seasonal goodies.

The Open Garden showcase will be held at 33 Elgin Street, Myrtleford, on Thursday 10 to Sunday 13, April, from 10am to 4pm, (open from 9am Saturday 12, April), with entry only a gold-coin donation.

Lawn’s last Barefoot Bowls, to help sick kids

By PHOEBE MORGAN THE Myrtleford Bowls Club is set to combine celebrations for its final Barefoot Bowls evening for the season with a community fundraising event next week in aid of this year’s Royal Melbourne Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

Over summer, Barefoot Bowls evenings are held at the local club, scheduled across two programs: the first from November to December, with a break over Christmas and January, before activities resume in February and run all the way to Easter.

“On average there’s about 50 to 60 people who attend the club per week,” club board member, Peter Sharkey said.

“Guests have a great night...we set up the music machine and they can play several rounds of bowls, catching up and enjoying themselves.

“For this last Barefoot Bowls event for this part of the year, we’d like to invite the community to our club to have a fun night for a great cause.”

Attendees can come along and play a round or two of lawn bowls, with supper

provided and the bar open, lucky door prizes, raffles and more.

Myrtleford’s Good Friday Appeal area manager and club assistant greenskeeper, Geoff Dyt, said it will be a fun bowls night for the whole family.

“It should be a great night on the lawn for everyone,” Mr Dyt said.

The Barefoot Bowls event will be held on Tuesday, 8 April from 7pm, with $5 entry and drinks at bar prices.

Lawn bowls will be supplied on the night to participants who do not have their own.

LAWN LAUNCH: Myrtleford Bowls Club board members Peter Sharkey (left) and Wayne Langdon, with greenskeeper Geoff Dyt (centre) prepare the club ahead of this year’s Good Friday Appeal Barefoot Bowls evening.

PHOTO: Phoebe Morgan

Key Points from the 2025-26 Federal Budget 1. Personal Income Tax Measures • New tax cuts for individual taxpayers starting from 1 July 2026.

• The tax rate for the $18,201-$45,000 bracket will reduce from 16% to 15% in 2026 and to 14% in 2027.

2. Increased Medicare Levy Low-Income Thresholds • The Medicare levy low-income thresholds will increase from 1 July 2024.

3. Support for Small Businesses • $12 million over four years to support and protect small businesses.

• Pausing indexation on draught beer excise and excise equivalent customs duty rates for two years from August 2025.

• Increasing the excise remission scheme cap for manufacturers of alcoholic beverages to $400,000 per financial year from 1 July 2026.

4. Energy Bill Relief • Two $75 bill rebates directly off electricity bills until 31 December 2025.

5. Housing Initiatives • Expansion of the ‘Help to Buy’ scheme with increased income caps and property price caps linked to average house prices.

6. Non-Compete Clauses and Competition Law Changes • Banning non-compete clauses for employees earning less than the high-income threshold from 2027.

Belmores CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

•

Closing loopholes in competition law to prevent wage fixing and no-poach agreements.

Treasurer aims to “rebuild living standards” Much of the 2025 Federal Budget was already known, after a volley of pre-election spruiking for votes. But Treasurer Jim Chalmers had one surprise up his sleeve - $17 billion in tax cuts. The first round of cuts will kick in on 1 July 2026 and second round on 1 July 2027, saving the average earner $536 each year when fully implemented.

The Treasurer named five priorities for his fourth budget: helping with the cost of living, strengthening Medicare, building more homes, investing in education, and making the economy stronger.

He called it a plan for “a new generation of prosperity in a new world of uncertainty” that would help “finish the fight against inflation”.

“The plan at the core of this Budget is about more than putting the worst behind us. It’s about seizing what’s ahead of us,” the Treasurer says.

See below the key points from our budget analysis. If you have any questions about the budget measures announced, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Personal Income Tax Rates Thresholds ($)

2025 and 2026 Income Years

2027 Income Year

2028 Income Year

$0 – $18,200

Tax-free

Tax-free

Tax-free

$18,201 – $45,000

16%

15%

14%

$45,001 – $135,000

30%

30%

30%

$135,001 – $190,000

37%

37%

37%

$190,001+

45%

45%

45%

Medicare Levy Low-Income Thresholds Category of Taxpayer

2025 Income Year

2024 Income Year

Single Individual

$27,222

$26,000

Families not eligible for SAPTO

$45,907

$43,846

Single Individual eligible for SAPTO

$43,020

$41,089

Families eligible for SAPTO

$59,886

$57,198

For each dependent child or student

$4,216

$4,027

• 1-7 Albert St Myrtleford & 3 Ireland St Bright 03 5752 2288 • Numurkah P: 03 5862 1411 | Yarrawonga P: 03 5744 1221

• www.belmores.com.au

Page 8 - THE OBSERVER / TIMES, Wednesday, April 2, 2025

myrtlefordtimes.com.au

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Helen Haines is not a Saint

Differing perspectives HELEN Haines (Indi federal MP) must be may indeed be “relentless in her advocacy”, but she is missing any respected detail about outcomes.

I fail to see anything concrete arising from the “depths” of Helen’s dedication to the “broader national interest”.

Does this refer to the Voice referendum, where Helen got it so wrong; where nearly 70 per cent of the electorate of Indi voted No? This was a gross failure to gauge local sentiment.

An MP’s first task is to represent their own electorate, not to force agendas originating in Fitzroy or Newtown.

Does voting in support of water buy-backs help an electorate that relies on agriculture for its prosperity?

Or voting to support bans on sheep exports?

Helen Haines can only be judged by a couple of metrics.

The first is her voting record, and that is unarguable – water buybacks and sheep export bans ultimately hurt farmers in the North East.

The second could be budgetary outcomes, where the electorate of Indi benefits from government expenditure arising from a local members advocacy, and I’m not sure there’s much of that.

If Helen Haines were to be judged solely by the volume of her own newsletters, then she’s certainly a stellar performer.

Please, stop the tired fact-free adulation of Helen Haines.

George Browne, Myrtleford

IN response to Sharon McEvoy’s letter (Alpine Observer/Myrtleford Times) 13 March regarding the community division over the BESS development, I want to acknowledge Sharon and her team for their efforts to keep Mint Renewables’ proposal to install batteries in the Kiewa Valley in the public eye.

However, as Sharon mentioned in her interview with the ABC, this issue has unfortunately divided our community.

Although the group opposing the proposal is united in their cause, the broader community has been fractured, with an attitude of “you’re either with us or against us”.

Now, more than ever, we must remember what has made Dederang a strong and vibrant place.

Our community thrives not only on shared values but also on mutual respect for differences.

It’s natural for people to hold varied viewpoints, yet the strength of a community lies in its ability to connect and coexist despite those differences - whether over a beer at Dave’s or a friendly chat with neighbours.

We should steer clear of behaviours that fracture the trust and inclusiveness that hold us together.

Instead, through empathy and understanding, we can ensure that everyone feels included and

valued, even if their perspectives or actions differ.

Let us remember the foundation of our strength - the spirit of unity and respect that defines Dederang.

Maryellen Grealy, Kergunyah South

Empowering our community SADLY, our region faces real division over the Dederang Battery Energy System (BESS) issue.

Disappointingly, the Alpine Shire’s response to the project was merely reactive rather than a demonstration of proactive leadership in helping us manage our transition to renewable energy.

Their reaction (to oppose the project) was also highly confusing given their previous strong, publicly stated declaration that a climate crisis exists and their development and approval of a carbon action plan for the shire.

In New South Wales, the Hay Renewable Energy Plan, coordinated by the Hay Shire Council, has proactively set clear community guidelines regarding the benefits of grid-scale renewable projects within their shire.

This planning included identifying clear advantages for landholders, and the general community.

Potential financial benefits were noted to encompass household electricity subsidies, support for local early childhood centres and schools, assistance for local sports teams and support for

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apprenticeships and training (very important in any regional area) throughout the 15-20 year lifespan of the project.

As such, the Hay community chose to view these projects through the lens of community benefit (the bigger picture), local financial gains, and sustainable energy production. That is, they chose not to adopt a political or merely reactionary perspective because their focus was on multiple, long-term benefits for the whole community.

In Australia, the renewable energy transition is being driven by households and businesses utilising rooftop solar PV panels, battery storage, energy efficiency measures and electric vehicles.

By 2030, b-directional electric vehicle batteries are expected to play a significant role in furthering energy resilience and generating income. (These batteries could power a home for up to four days during a power outage and may generate approx. $3000 in income annually while parked in the garage.)

This will be a major driver for rural renewal and sustainability.

The BESS proposal is an example of agrivoltaics – wind and solar projects integrated into established farms where the farmer accepts involvement and receives financial benefit.

This benefit provides ongoing land leased payments and a reliable income stream.

The time of merely reacting to these projects is past.

Knowing that we are running out of time to transition to renewables for our energy security and energy resilience, we now need to take responsibility for rethinking our

LETTERS to the editor must be signed with the full name, address and contact telephone number of the author provided. Letters under 250 words are preferred and we reserve the right to edit letters to fit available space.

Nom de plumes will only be published at the editor’s discretion. Opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by this newspaper.

understanding of these situations.

Urban sprawl is a more significant threat to the loss of valuable farmland.

The Winton Solar Farm on the Hume Freeway is an example.

Driving past, sheep are grazing amongst the panels.

Specific benefits for any farmer who chooses to lease land this way and keep farming include the shelter provided to the stock by the panels, particularly in hot weather. Stock grazing will keep the area clear of excessive growth (bushfire resilience), plus, of course, the farmer now receives the capital benefits of ongoing rental payments.

Grid-scale projects like BESS and smaller community-based battery storage solutions will benefit all electricity users in the evolving grid.

Electricity demand is estimated to increase by 30% over the next decade.

Without localised battery storage, this surge in demand may necessitate upgrades to the medium-voltage power system that serves our towns and villages and will increase our power bills.

Nearly half of our power bill goes to the poles and wires owned

by AusNet Services.

Investing in energy storage will help stabilise energy flows within these systems, saving us money and reducing the bushfire risk from high-voltage power lines during heat waves when energy demand is very high.

I encourage everyone to accept the challenge to reconsider this evolving situation and seek benefits for the broader community.

Dennis Lambert, Bright

Email: edit.timesobserver @nemedia.com.au

Post:

North East Media 76 Standish Street, Myrtleford, Vic 3737

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THE OBSERVER / TIMES, Wednesday, April 2, 2025 - Page 9

myrtlefordtimes.com.au

Hook into local produce at Autumn Food Festival

cellardoor@gapstedestates.com.au

THERE is more than trout on the menu this Friday when Stony Creek Fish Farm at Harrietville plays host to a bevy of local producers at the Autumn Harvest Festival.

Organised by the Bright Food Co-op, together with Alpine Multi-Skills Group, the festival offers the alpine community a chance to celebrate a wide range of locally produced foods, in the form of a picnic and twilight market.

Friday’s festival runs from 4pm to 8pm, with an added attraction being tours of the fish farm and large gardens.

Entry to the event will be by gold coin donation, with proceeds going toward the Bright Food Co-op Food Relief Fund.

Bright Food Co-op committee member, Gil Paulsen, is hopeful hundreds of people from

across the shire will attend.

“I think there’s still many people in our region who might not be aware of how much food is produced locally,” she said.

“There will be many delicious and nutritious food and drinks for sale at our festival, the majority of which is harvested now in autumn, all from local producers.

“Most of our sourced producers are utilising regenerative farming techniques or going chemical free.

“In line with our sustainability values, the event will be waste free, so we will be asking people to BYO picnic rug, cups, plates, cutlery and chairs.”

Musical entertainment for the evening will also be covered with DJ Tim from Wandiligong Farm in attendance.

ON THE MENU: Stony Creek Fish Farm at Harrietville is hosting Bright Food Co-op’s annual Autumn Harvest Festival this Friday. INSET: SAVOURY SPREAD: There will be plenty of mouth-watering, locally produced food at the festival.

State, federal governments slammed gapstedestate.com.au

OVENS Valley state MP Tim McCurdy has slammed the state government over its latest moves on crime, while also taking a swing at the federal government for its “blatant disregard” for regional Victoria in last week’s federal budget.

The Nationals’ member said Victorian Premier Jacin-

ta Allan’s recent reversal on bail laws was “a desperate political move aimed at winning votes rather than ensuring community safety”.

“After weakening bail laws in 2023, she’s now scrambling to reintroduce tougher measures for political convenience,” he said.

Mr McCurdy also criticised

the government’s delayed ban on machetes, which won’t take effect until September.

“Delaying this change until September is too long...Victorians need immediate action to keep their communities safe,” he said.

“These reactive policies are failing to deliver long-

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term solutions for community safety.”

Mr McCurdy also labelled a $1 billion ‘Road Blitz’ in last week’s federal budget as another example of the government’s blatant disregard for regional Victoria.

“The upgrade for roads across Melbourne’s sub-

urbs is a slap in the face for regional motorists who continue to risk their lives on deteriorating and neglected country roads,” he said.

“Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Allan have once again put politics before people.

“While Labor funnel mon-

ey into Melbourne to win votes, regional Victorians are left dodging potholes, crumbling shoulders, and dangerous intersections.”

Mr McCurdy said the state of regional roads has become a daily hazard for locals, with no meaningful investment from either state or federal governments.

Page 10 - THE OBSERVER / TIMES, Wednesday, April 2, 2025

myrtlefordtimes.com.au

TAWONGA 180TH ANNIVERSARY

Commemorating a community milestone, with song and dance

By PHOEBE MORGAN TAWONGA township celebrated its 180-year anniversary, combined with the reopening of the Tawonga Memorial Hall after recent renovations over the weekend.

More than 500 people attended the celebrations, which started with the launch of the new hall on Friday evening, followed by a bush dance enjoyed by more than 160 people.

Saturday saw festivities kick off with official celebrations in the Tawonga Pioneer Memorial Park, complete with a landmark cake-cutting by Tawonga’s most senior resident, Dot Higginson, and Ovens Valley MP, Tim McCurdy.

Event organisers Tawonga and District Community Association (TDCA), in collaboration with the Kiewa Valley Historical Society Inc also compiled a Memories Showcase over the weekend, which displayed the history of the valley from the colonial era onwards and provided viewers insights from an agricultural, first people’s and generational standpoint.

“The weekend was magnificent, we couldn’t be happier with the result,” TDCA president Mark Redmond said.

“It was a wonderful way to bring a broad landscape of people together, with visitors from all over the state to celebrate our history in the valley.

“We’ve gone through a lot... we’ve endured fires, floods, Covid and yet the Tawonga community pulls through and it’s moments like this weekend which show how impressive the resilience of our community is.

“One of our key aims for the weekend, which was a huge success, was to show recent generations what life was like for first generation settlers in the area.

“A lot of them didn’t know the region’s history or had never even seen a tractor up close.

“Over Saturday and Sunday there were 300-odd people circulating through the memory display: we saw some people two days in a row, because it was of such interest to them.

RENO REOPENING: Alpine Shire Council CEO Will Jeremy (left) and Mayor Sarah Nicholas marked the reopening of the Tawonga Community Hall with a ribbon cutting with Emergency Recovery Victoria regional manager, Guy Wilkinson.

SPIRITED SOIREE: After recent renovations, Tawonga’s Memorial Hall was broken-in with a bush dance.

“We’ve received so many positive comments from this weekend: it just shows the value of local events such as this.

“With the support of the Alpine Shire Council, the Kiewa Valley Flood and Landslip Community Grants program 2024/2025 and the Kiewa Valley Historical Society (KVHS) we were able to host a successful weekend.

“We could not have put together our memories showcase without the help of the KVHS. “A huge thank-you to my fellow committee organisers and

to those that supported them, to help run the event.

“Thanks also to members of the public and organisations who brought along photographs and memorabilia to add to the memorial display.

“Thanks to those who attended the festivities: we’ll see everyone at the 200 year anniversary.”

VIP CAKE CUTTING: The eldest member of the Tawonga community, Dot Higginson, helped MP Tim McCurdy cut Tawonga’s celebratory cake.

Federal Budget tax cuts an ‘election sweetener’: MP

By STEVE KELLY TAX cuts in the 2025-26 Federal Budget have been welcomed by the Indi incumbent Helen Haines, something she labelled as an ‘election sweetener’ as it will ease the cost of living.

A key item in the budget has workers earning an average $79,000 a year paying $268 less in tax in 2026, rising to $536 in 2027.

From 1 July 2026, the tax rate on income earned between $18,201 and $45,000 will be cut from 16 per cent to 15 per cent, and will reduce even further to 14 per cent from July 2027.

But while the tax cuts would reduce pressure, Dr Haines said almost 5000 people in Indi are on JobSeeker and there are no provisions in this budget for increases to Commonwealth Rent Assistance, JobSeeker allowance or other Commonwealth support payments.

The government will extend rebates on electricity bills by six months, providing another $150 cut to power bills for households and small businesses.

But Dr Haines was not happy with the omission of funding for businesses to convert from gas to electric appliances.

“What is also still missing

for households and businesses is support to electrify,” she said.

“With the cost of domestic gas, Australians know that the best energy cost saver is rooftop solar and electrification.”

Dr Haines welcomed funding to deliver more training places for doctors in regional Australia, and $7.9 billion to expand eligibility for bulk billing incentives to all Australians - which hs been been matched by the Coalition if elected.

However, she expressed disappointment with the absence of funding for Albury hospital, and its failure to continue support for small businesses to

reduce costs through energy upgrades.

Dr Haines was also angry that regional infrastructure programs like the Growing Regions and the regional Precincts and Partnerships Program, along with regional roads and housing infrastructure funding had no further funding committed in the budget.

“Regional councils and organisations rely on competitive grant programs like these for key projects and community infrastructure,” she said.

“The appalling state of our local roads is evidence that much more support is needed for our local government road programs.”

Lib candidate slams budget LIBERAL candidate for Indi James Trenery has slammed the federal budget.

He said the budget was for the next five weeks, not the next five years.

“This is a budget for an election, not one for our country’s future prosperity,” he said.

“At a time when living standards have suffered the biggest collapse on record and when the security environment is the most dangerous since World War II, Labor’s budget has failed to deal with the economic and national security challenges our communities and country faces.”

Mr Trenery also took aim at Dr Haines’ capacity to harness funding for Indi.

“Locally, this budget is another example of Helen Haines’ funding failure,” he said.

“None of the local funding promised in Helen Haines’ 47 page Budget Submission was delivered.

“Year after year, we are not getting our fair share.”

THE OBSERVER / TIMES, Wednesday, April 2, 2025 - Page 11

myrtlefordtimes.com.au

TAWONGA 180TH ANNIVERSARY

Celebrating our rich history

By BARB PYLE, Kiewa Valley Historical Society Inc LAST weekend the Tawonga District Community Association along with the wider community and visitors, took the opportunity to celebrate the past 180 years of continuous settlement in the Upper Kiewa Valley.

The Kiewa Valley Historical Society Inc works very closely with the TDCA and supported the celebration by assisting the historical display with information and artefacts.

KVHS decided to mark this special milestone celebration by returning to the community and the streetscape the much-loved Bogong Hotel street lights.

When that historic Tawonga icon was burnt down in 2011, the beautiful street lights were rescued by a community member and placed in our care.

We believe that they belong in Tawonga and the TDCA has agreed to auspice this community project.

Tawonga township itself has a wonderful history.

For many years it was the centre of the universe for the citizens of the Upper Kiewa Valley and its growth ran parallel to the development of the agricultural industry.

The types of agriculture have been many and varied.

Cattle grazing in the valley and on the High Plains in summer led to an almost nomadic existence for the early settlers.

Then, with the introduction of super phosphate for enhanced pastures, the dairy industry flourished and the Kiewa Valley became an iconic dairy brand.

Some of the other types of agricultural pursuits that no longer exist are: pigs, tobacco, viticulture, vegetables and timber.

Over the years Tawonga has had a butter factory, a brick works, a bakery, a butcher, a post office (still operating}, several halls, a bus company, a taxi service, several garages, the Bogong Hotel, a hospital, a school and a boarding house etc etc.

SETTLING IN THE UPPER KIEWA VALLEY

HISTORY ON THE MOVE: Kiewa Valley Historical Society Inc’s historic milk truck was on show, thanks to Craig and Sheryl Willey helping transport it.

AGRICULTURAL HISTORY: Items used in the tobacco industry (right), which was part of the agricultural landscape for decades, were on show.

MEMORIES: Artefacts from the Bogong Hotel (below) were displayed over the weekend as part of the historical exhibiton.

In 1938, when the SECV began building the Kiewa HydroElectric Scheme, the Tawonga township became a bustling commercial hub which continued for many years.

Later, another major boost to Tawonga’s fortune was

the subdivision of adjacent farming land being subdivided for family homes.

Today, Tawonga is a pretty little rural residential township looking up to the majestic Mt Bogong and straddling the beautiful Kiewa River.

With a growing multigenerational population, the community is keen to improve the quality of the Tawonga experience for all its members and visitors alike.

TDCA is constantly advocating for quality open

Being Independent works for Indi.

As an Independent, I have local impact and national influence. I’m fighting for what matters to you, not party politics.

W helenhaines.org T 03 5721 7077 E helen.haines.mp@aph.gov.au Authorised by Helen Haines, 117 Murphy St Wangaratta VIC 3677

THE place name Tawonga is Aboriginal for “the flight through air as of birds or spears”.

The Upper Kiewa Valley was first settled in 1841 by a James Roberts.

He transferred the property to John Routh in 1849, who then passed it onto Thomas Ibbotson in 1854.

The property was named the Tawonga Station and comprised 20,000 acres of lush, fertile land.

A manager named John Eyre was appointed, and his family were associated with the Tawonga Station for nearly 100 years.

Today, this property is situated in the locality of Mongan’s Bridge.

It has since been divided into many smaller holdings and the only physical evidence of Tawonga Station is a group of headstones which have survived the passage of time and are now being taken care of by Tom Cooper, upon whose land they now lie.

The three graves are those of Thomas Ibbotson who died in 1858, Elizabeth Eyre who died in 1879 and John Eyre who died in 1904.

The headstones which are surrounded by a pole fence and some trees, can be seen from the Kiewa Valley Highway at Mongan’s Bridge.

During the 1840’s government surveyors mapped the Upper Kiewa Valley and divided the area into the parishes of Tawonga, Mullagong and Mullindolingong.

The early selections listed many family names that still have a presence in the Kiewa Valley today.

In the parish of Tawonga, the earliest listings were: W. Snell in 1872 and J. Briggs in 1873.

In the parish of Mullindolongong the listings were: John Ryder in 1869; Fred Roper in 1870; W. Higginson in 1871; N. Herbert in 1871; Cooper, Maddison and Haig in 1873.

In the parish of Mullagong the listings were: J. Briggs in 1871; G. Barling in 1879; and F. Chow in 1883. spaces, parks and gardens, community facilities and a streetscape that will encourage visitors to slow down and stop a while.

Events like the 180th celebrations do not just happen and our grateful thanks

go to the TDCA and KVHS members, who did such a wonderful job mounting this very interesting historical display.

Happy 180th birthday Tawonga and best wishes for many more.

Page 12 THE OBSERVER / TIMES, Wednesday, April 26, 2, 2025 Page 10 -- Education & Careers, Wednesday, March 2025

myrtlefordtimes.com.au nemedia.com.au

EDUCATION

EDITION 1

E

ON GN

TI

N TS

ME

PM

V G ACHIE

CO

RA TIN

RE

S I N G E V E LO D

EB

W

CA

CEL

SHO

ENT

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

ISING E D

A UC

KICK-START YOUR CAREER

CUC Ovens Murray’s first octogenarian graduate

PROUD GRADUATE: Phillip Johnson graduating from the University of Tasmania with a Bachelor of Arts.

AS CUC Ovens Murray approaches three years of supporting higher education students in the region, the team are thrilled that many of the students that started using their service in 2022 are now graduating.

They also have their first octogenarian graduate, Phillip Johnson who has recently completed his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Tasmania.

After retirement, Phillip decided to study for an arts degree, something he had wanted to accomplish for many years, however, the opportunity had not presented itself until recently.

He commenced his studies with the University of New England and then transferred to the University of Tasmania

to complete a Diploma in Family History.

Following this success, he then commenced with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in history.

Phillip completed some of his subjects for his degree through other universities including Deakin, where he studied the Holocaust, Macquarie University studying the first world war and Charles Sturt University studying the English reformation which resulted in the formation of Protestant churches.

All of Phillip’s units were completed online and he regularly accessed the facilities and services of CUC Ovens Murray during his studies.

“There is good support for this type of study, I

recommend people of all ages to investigate options available and begin studying,” Phillip said.

Phillip has just commenced a graduate diploma in history, family history and applied history through the University of New England.

He also had an article published in Traces Magazine this month.

The team from CUC look forward to continuing to support Phillip on the next steps in his learning journey.

If you are currently studying a course at any university or higher education institution, you too can register with CUC Ovens Murray and access their free services to support your study.

To find out more visit www.cucovensmurray.edu.au.

Why register with CUC Ovens Murray (Wangaratta)?

It's FREE to register and use:

Dedicated study spaces Dual screen computers Fast, reliable internet Printing facilities Academic support

We are a safe, secure study facility open

The CUC provided me a place to study in the evenings and weekends that was away from the interruptions at home.

Kate Howard Master of Speech Pathology University of Canberra

from 5am to midnight,

7 days a week for Higher Education students.

Find us in Building F - GOTAFE

Docker St Campus, Wangaratta.

Discover more or register at cucovensmurray.edu.au

LEARNING JOURNEY: A bright eyed and bushy tailed Phillip Johnson when he registered with CUC Ovens Murray in 2022.

THE OBSERVER / TIMES, Wednesday, April26, 2, 2025 Education & Careers, Wednesday, March 2025--Page Page13 11

myrtlefordtimes.com.au nemedia.com.au

EDUCATION CAREER DEVELOPMENT

KICK-START YOUR CAREER

EDITION 1

Start your career with high quality practical training WITH campuses in Wangaratta, Bundalong and Barmah, 1 Stop Training Centre is centrally placed to deliver high quality training.

They take pride in offering and delivering training and assessment in the fields of civil construction plant operations and driving operations, and as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO #46133), 1 Stop has earnt a reputation as a leader in the provision of flexible and innovative services.

These courses, among others, are currently running and can help get you where you want to be.

Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations The new Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations course will run later in the year.

Build your career as a trade qualified plant operator with this nationally accredited course.

Learn how to safely operate plant equipment such as excavators, backhoes, loaders, skid steers and rollers, as well as working on exciting civil infrastructure projects, White Card and First Aid topics and more in a booming industry.

In this course you will learn how to not only operate heavy machinery

required to be a plant operator, but also how to work safely and understand the workplace specifications.

Truck licence There is a range of truck driving licence courses from multi combination to light rigid.

All of their truck driving courses take you through every step from basic controls of the vehicle to managing hazardous situations.

Whether you need a licence to drive a smaller truck or a truck with additional trailers, 1 Stop has got you covered.

1 Stop’s goal is to provide students with a safe, fair and supported environment to participate in their training and assessment, and to ensure they are confident and job ready.

If you are currently employed in or want to enter sectors such as civil construction (plant operations), forestry or timber, road transport, driver training and licence endorsement, materials handling, industrial licensing or maritime, 1 Stop Training Centre can help you get the qualifications you need to succeed.

DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS: Build your career with a range of courses at 1 Stop.

Upskill your staff & enrol NOW RII30820 Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations

RIIWHS205E Control Traffic with a Stop-Slow Bat & TLILIC0003 Licence to Operate a RIIWHS302E Implement Traffic Management Plans Forklift Truck

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth funding.

AgVet Chemical Users Course

FREE for Skills First eligible students

CPCCLDG3001 Licence to Perform Dogging

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth funding.

info@1stoptraining.com.au | 1300 868 984 | 23 Racecourse Rd, Wangaratta

Page 14 - THE OBSERVER / TIMES, Wednesday, April 2, 2025

PEOPLE AROUND TOWN

TAWONGA SOUTH

Narelle Tredrea How long have you lived in the area?

I came here from Canberra 12 months ago.

I’m originally from Sydney.

What do you like about living in the area?

The mountains, the community - what’s not to like.

Would you like to see any changes or additions?

A taxi service would be good. I’m sure there are enough people who would use this service.

What do you do, your hobbies and interests?

I am a lawyer who does stand up comedy.

I’m a writer and I practice on-line meditation.

I love walking around the Mt Beauty Pondage, toasting marshmallows down by the river and swimming as a physio activity.

Where would you take people to showcase the area?

The Mt Beauty Library deck, where else could you sit and read with an amazing view of the lake. There are so many beautiful spots here, lots of great walking tracks.

myrtlefordtimes.com.au

Johanna + Colin Purser Where do you live?

We’re from Blaxland in the Blue Mountains.

How often do you visit the area?

This is our first trip to the area. We’re looking forward to going on different walks in the region. We go caravanning around Australia, but we haven’t done enough of it yet: we’re looking forward to our future trips.

What do you do for a living?

J: We’re retired now, but I used to work in aged care.

C: I used to have several jobs over the years.

What are your hobbies and interests?

C: I like gardening; mainly growing vegetables. I also like photography and birdwatching.

J: I like sewing, cooking; especially sourdough lately,

baking and making preserves.

We both love to read and going bushwalking.

What do you think makes the area unique?

J: We’re very impressed with the whole region; all the suburbs are so leafy and well looked after. The food is amazing. We love the produce from all the local places like the berry farm and other producers.

C: The native birds in the area are impressive; I took a few native bird photos yesterday.

What would you change about the area?

C: Just leave it as it is. It’s a beautiful place, very tidy and clean. I wouldn’t change anything.

J: The area is so beautiful already, that’s what’s attractive about it.

BRIGHT

Lyn Cummins

MYRTLEFORD

Where do you live?

I live in Myrtleford.

How long have you lived in the area?

I’ve lived here since 1985, with a break of eight years when we moved to the Northern Territory for my husband’s work.

What do you do for a living?

I am retired, but I used to work in childcare in Myrtleford and Bright and in nursing at Barwidgee Lodge. At the moment, I also volunteer at the Myrtleford Hospital

Community Op Shop.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I like bushwalking, camping and volunteering.

What do you think makes the area unique?

The weather: we have all four seasons here and I also like the colours of the seasons as they change. The valleys are so picturesque.

What would you change about the area?

I wouldn’t change anything. I love Myrtleford the way it is.

We’re hiring!

Are you looking for a job that offers flexibility and is focused on providing a safe and clean environment for customers?

Then we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now for roles available in our Trolley Collection and Cleaning Services teams.

Scan to create your candidate profile.

CP310325V3MA

THE OBSERVER / TIMES, Wednesday, April 2, 2025 - Page 15

myrtlefordtimes.com.au

28 MARCH - 3 ARPIL | 2025

Space, convenience, and privacy THIS exceptional property, located on approximately 6.44 acres just minutes’ walk from Wangaratta’s vibrant CBD, offers a rare combination of space, convenience, and privacy.

The immaculately presented threebedroom, one-bathroom home is perfect for those seeking a comfortable lifestyle with easy access to the heart of the city.

The home features a spacious kitchen that seamlessly connects to the adjoining dining area, with a separate lounge

room offering a cozy retreat.

The master bedroom is well-appointed with built-in robes (BIRs), a split system for comfort, and a ceiling fan.

The additional bedrooms also include ceiling fans and built-in robes, ensuring comfort throughout.

The main bathroom is complete with a vanity, toilet, and shower over bath.

Step outside to discover an impressive decked entertaining area, ideal for gatherings, all overlooking a beautifully established lawn and mature trees that

enhance the peaceful, private outlook.

For those needing extra storage or workspace, the property boasts great shedding, including an enclosed shed measuring 11.9m x 7.7m, as well as an open bay shed (11.8m x 7.8m).

With its tranquil setting and proximity to the Wangaratta CBD, this property offers a unique opportunity to secure a slice of countryside living without compromising on convenience.

Contact Hugh Amery at Harcourts Wangaratta today.

3 Agent

1

2

| Harcourts Wangaratta

Phone

| (03) 5722 9444

Price

| $750,000

Land

| 6.44Acre

Location | 35 Pinkerton Crescent, Wangaratta

Hello Hume Bank.

Hello Holiday.

Apply and settle your home loan with Hume Bank and take home 1 of 20 $2000 Helloworld Travel voucher.*

*Offer available to eligible applicants who enter into a new home loan agreement with Hume Bank by 30 April 2025. $2,000 voucher will be issued within 28 days of loan settlement and is subject to availability. Offer is not available for refinanced existing Hume Bank loans, loan top-ups, or in conjunction with other promotions. Voucher is non-transferable, not redeemable for cash, and may be subject to third-party terms and conditions. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and eligibility criteria apply. Advice is general. Please read the relevant Terms and Conditions, Product Disclosure Statement, Fees and Charges document and Target Market Determination and consider whether products are right for you.

Hume Bank Limited ABN 85 051 868 556. AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 244248.

Page 16 - THE OBSERVER / TIMES, Wednesday, April 2, 2025

myrtlefordtimes.com.au

At Your Service

PRELIMINARY NOTICE

Myrtleford Autumn Special Cattle Sale

Business Guide (03) 5723 0100 sales@nemedia.com.au

HALL ABOUT

P L U M BI N G

Call your local guy and save....

Licence no. 104114

Hoover, Simpson, LG, Westinghouse, Whirlpool, Fisher & Paykel, + Most other Brands Discount to Pensioners All work guaranteed Don’t Sell Spare Parts Wangaratta and surrounding areas

Licence no. 104114

ALL DISTRICTS WASHING MACHINE SERVICE

for hall your plumbing and gas fitting needs

Fo r Ha l l yo u r P l u m b i n g and Gasfitting needs.

0409 473 220

0409 473 220 ROOF REPAIRS ROOF PAINTING

Rooffix

*Entries Invited & Highly recommended*

0418 540 353

FROM JUST

9Roof repair and restoration 9All work guaranteed 9Fully qualified roof tiler 9Local, well known tradesman

PER WEEK

Search over 10 million properties Australia wide.

GET THIS SPOT!

Whether you’re buying, selling, renting or researching, the View app has everything you need in one place.

Contact Luke on 5723 0128

CALL DARREN ON

0428 218 271 www.rooffix.com.au

Contact: Dan Ivone 0427 480 548 Hayden Rogers 0428 990 231

Take the property market with you

$69

Covering Wangaratta and NE Victoria

Wednesday 7th May, 1:30PM Myrtleford Saleyards

See all properties with view.com.au

ONLINE CLEARING SALE HARRISON’S PLUMBING 51 ROWAN STREET, WANGARATTA

AUCTION

SATURDAY 12 th APRIL @ 11AM ON-SITE & ONLINE

Plumbing parts & supplies, Heating Cooling Air Conditioner parts, Tools, Pool equipment & supplies, Coonara wood & gas heater parts, Forklift, Trailers, Freestanding gas cookers, Fireplace screens, Chimney flues, PVC plumbing pipes, Antiques, AirCompressor, Toolboxes, 4WD & Camping items, Generator, Stihl Blower & Brush cutter, Hand trolleys, Office furniture, Money safe, Colorbond & Zinc corrugated roofing, Exercise bike and much more.

ON-SITE VIEWING THIS SATURDAY 29th March 9am to 12:30pm ONLINE BIDDING IS NOW LIVE: https://oa.garrynash.com.au/#!/ ONLINE BIDDING CLOSES: Monday 31 st March f rom 12noon

ONLINE BIDDING NOW LIVE!

Anywhere Auctions lets you watch and bid at property auctions online as they happen on the auction floor. Can’t make it to this agency’s next auction? Now you can with Anywhere Auctions!

OPEN FOR INSPECTION Saturday 29th March 9:45am-10am

3+1

1

2

‘CHISHOLM HOUSE’ - Iconic Residence 4-6 Chisholm Street, Wangaratta VIC 3677

• Iconic residence, ‘Chisholm House’ built by Mr Murphy circa 1900 • 3 bedroom classic brick Victorian home set on a stunning 664m2 (approx) • Beautiful mix of pressed metal & timber lined ceilings throughout • Formal lounge room with North facing bay window & original open fireplace • Large living area with polished timber flooring & gas log fire • Traditional tiled verandas with intricate iron lacework • Carport & garage with additional study/office with bathroom facilities INSPECTION & ATTENDANCE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. TERMS: 10% DEPOSIT. SETTLEMENT WITHIN 60 DAYS.

23 Baker St, Wangaratta | Ph: (03) 5722 2663 | garrynash.com.au |

After 98 years of business Harrison’s Plumbing is closing down. Inspection is highly recommended. Purchasers can inspect, bid & purchase with confidence.

Register to bid by scanning the QR code here View photos, terms & conditions or download full catalogue

Contact us to be put onto our mailing list for all upcoming clearing sales

Terms: GST applicable. 5% Buyers’ Premium applicable on all goods.

Items must be paid for and funds cleared prior to collection date.

Copy of receipt by authorised person must be shown when collecting item/s.

Attention buyers: For ease of bidding, we recommend you investigate making your offers using the ‘Autobid’ option.

COLLECTION DATES:

FRIDAY 4TH APRIL - 8:30AM TO 4:00PM

SATURDAY 5 TH APRIL - 8:30AM TO 12:30PM

23 Baker Street, Wangaratta | (03) 5722 2663 OPEN 7 DAYS | garrynash.com.au |

THE OBSERVER / TIMES, Wednesday, April 2, 2025 - Page 17

myrtlefordtimes.com.au

3

1

Ideal First Home in West End 66 Phillipson Street, Wangaratta

3

2 731m2

1

Character and Comfort 3 Floyd Avenue, Wangaratta

1 668m2

4

2

2

Low Maintenance Family Home

9a Thomas Wedge Dve, Wangaratta 702m2

• Open-plan living areas, perfect for a relaxed lifestyle • Year-round comfort with a large split system

• Features high ceilings, timber floors & modern kitchen • Undercover entertaining with built-in bench seating

• Kitchen inc 900mm oven, gas cooktop & stone benches • Secure backyard, covered alfresco area & garden shed

HOUSE FOR SALE

HOUSE FOR SALE

HOUSE FOR SALE

$419,000

3

2

4

4

Modern Comforts, Quiet Location 2 Lamble Court, Wangaratta

$519,000

758m2

2

2

Ideal Family Home in Baltimore 7 Corncob Boulevard, Wangaratta

629m2

$559,000

4

2

Central Winner

84 Templeton Street, Wangaratta

1 527m2

• Renovated master bedroom w ensuite & large WIR/study • Ducted gas heating, evap. cooling & r/c split systems

• Open-plan kitchen/dining/living & separate lounge room • Ducted heat/cool, solar panels, double garage & a shed

• Large rooms, open fireplace, magnificent red brick floors • Three outdoor entertaining zones including spa pavilion

HOUSE FOR SALE

HOUSE FOR SALE

HOUSE FOR SALE

$625,000

5

2

2

‘Greenslopes’- Rural Lifestyle Charm 229 Goomalibee Road, Benalla

$650,000

10.11ha

2

2

Old Church House

14 Ford Street, Beechworth

2

1,012m2

$1,010,000

3

2

4

‘Lake View’ - Lifestyle Living 322 Goudie Road, Chesney Vale

22.8ha

• Beautifully renovated home plus additional bungalow • 7 paddocks, 2 meg stock & domestic license, 2 natural dams

• Unique opportunity, iconic Baptist Church circa 1873 • Renovated, blending historic charm with modern comforts

• Panoramic views from elevated gardens & in-ground pool • Exceptional water supply, Lake Mokoan irrigation license

LIFESTYLE FOR SALE

HOUSE FOR SALE

LIFESTYLE FOR SALE

$1,049,000

Thriving Pet Grooming Business

‘Pip & Friends’, 45B Vincent Rd, Wangaratta

$1,200,000

Entry Level Investment

32B Gladstone Street, Glenrowan

1,030m2

$1,350,000

Rare Development in Historic Town 32A Gladstone Street, Glenrowan

1,057m2

• Prime location, bustling shop precinct, loyal customer base • Strong revenue, favourable lease & fully equiped

• 2 commercial shops, residential unit above & storage units • Three titles, net rental income of approx. $36,200

• Prime Commercial 1 Zone block in the heart of Glenrowan • Strategic location 2.5hr from Melbourne, 15min Wangaratta

BUSINESS FOR SALE

FREEHOLD FOR SALE

COMMERCIAL LAND

$18,000 + SAV

No GST, Going Concern

$520,000

No GST, Going Concern

23 Baker St, Wangaratta | Ph: (03) 5722 2663 | garrynash.com.au |

$265,000 Plus GST

Page 18 - THE OBSERVER / TIMES, Wednesday, April 2, 2025

myrtlefordtimes.com.au

160kg whopper sees Richardson family win Tawonga pumpkin title

By JULIETTE ODDOUX, Tawonga Primary School teacher

made by the our students in their cooking class for spectators to enjoy.

The winner of the prettiest TAWONGA Primary pumpkin was Dianne Rogers School’s first giant pumpkin and the best weight guess competition had a very of the school pumpkin at successful conclusion last 64.46Kg was John Stripeikis Friday evening. who guessed 65Kg. Excitement had been Tony Gentile came in building among students during the day as pumpkins 4th place with a big 80kg kept appearing in the school pumpkin.

The final three entries yard. were weighed with the help Approximately 50 to 60 people attended the evening of Gentile Steel’s truck and crane. event and it was great to Surprisingly, the order of see people from the wider the initial guestimate based community drop by to have on size of the pumpkin a look.

3rd Col Clewitt, 2nd the There were 19 entries, Richardson family and 1st 12 of them quite large, and three of them too big for the Deb Clewitt - altered when they were weighed, with Deb scales.

Clewitt 3rd (131kgs), Cole All but the three biggest Clewitt 2nd (136kgs) and the had been pre-weighed on Richardson family’ in first the Farm to Fork butchery with a whopping 160kgs scales before the night and pumpkin. with the remaining three There was a lot of laughter, some very helpful parents assisted after school by lifting good will and swapping of ribbons and Brenton the pumpkins with a tarp Richardson was very happy and identifying the order of to receive the meat tray, heaviest to least heavy. generously donated by Farm Year 6 judges Sam Svarc to Fork butchery. and Harry Weaver were When asked what busy judging the prettiest his secret was, Brenton pumpkin while spectators responded with a short were able to write down their best guess of the weight “good soil and lots of water”.

When pressed further, he of the pumpkin grown on said he wasn’t giving away the school grounds. any secrets.

There were also slices

t

d Col Clewitt took ou BIG EFFORT: Deb an g. cin second the third pla

BIGGEST OF THEM ALL: THE RICHARDSONS LYLA, BRENTON AND MILLAR - WERE DELIGHTED THAT THEIR 160KG PUMPKIN WON THE TITLE OF TAWONGA’S HEAVIEST PUMPKIN.

HOME GROWN: Prep student Harriet Dowel with one of the pumpkins grown at the school.

d to yone was intereste WEIGHING IN: Ever . ed igh we see what the punpkin

PUMPKIN JOY: Tawonga Primary School students with the entries to their giant pumpkin contest.

PUMPKIN DELIGHT: In fourth place with their pumpkin were the Gentile family (from left, back) Jason, Rosa and Tony Gentile; (front, from left) Harry Weaver, Tommy and Lucy Gentile.

THE OBSERVER / TIMES, Wednesday, April 2, 2025 - Page 19

myrtlefordtimes.com.au MYRTLEFORD

THE ALPINE

BY PHONE 5723 0101 PUBLIC NOTICES

ALPINE Classified Information

BOOKING DEADLINE By 3pm Monday prior to printing.

CREDIT CARD FACILITIES WE ACCEPT

This is Alpine Shire Council’s notice for an application of a new Licence to Take and Use Groundwater for a maximum volume of 20.0ML/ Year at Horseshoe Circle DINNER PLAIN VIC 3898.

Refer to Vic Roads Map 65 E2.

The volume sought in this application is 20.0ML/ Year. We intend to extract groundwater from an existing bore. The water will be used for the purpose of: Commercial To be used on lands described as: Volume

Folio

Lot No.

REGIONAL PUBLICATIONS

10909

713

11

11485

Mansfield Courier Phone: (03) 5723 0101 email: classifieds@nemedia.com.au Booking deadline: 12noon Monday prior to print.

10909

The Chronicle Phone: (03) 5723 0101 email: classifieds@nemedia.com.au Booking deadline: 2pm business day prior to print.

The Euroa Gazette Phone: (03) 5723 0101 email: classifieds@nemedia.com.au Booking deadline: 3pm Monday prior to print.

MOTOR VEHICLES

Notice of Intention to Apply for a New Licence to Take and Use Groundwater GMW Reference No: BGW0063-25

Ads can also be lodged at Myrtleford Newsagency, Bright Newsagency and Mt Beauty Newsagency

Plan No. Plan Type 507339J

PS

218

Reserve 1 507339J

PS

718

Reserve 2 507339J

PS

10909

719

Reserve 3 507339J

PS

10909

720

Reserve 4 507339J

PS

11464

760

Reserve 1 549583K

PS

11336

799

1

527332L

PS

11336

800

2

527332L

PS

11336

801

3

527332L

PS

Any person able to demonstrate that their interests will be affected by the transfer of this Licence including any intended Groundwater use, is invited to make a formal submission setting out the nature of the impact within 14 days of receipt of this written notification.

North East Tourist News Phone: (03) 5723 0100 email: sales@nemedia.com.au Phone for quarterly booking deadline

To make a submission please read the information available to download from https:// www.g-mwater.com.au/customer-servicesresources/forms/make-a-submission-form.

Refer to the Groundwater section or contact GMW to arrange a copy to be posted to you.

North East Farmer Phone: (03) 5723 0100 email: nefarmer@nemedia.com.au Booking deadline: Second Friday of month

Submissions must be lodged using the GMW template available by either mail or email to, licensingadmin@gmwater.com.au or PO Box 165, TATURA VIC 3616.

CLASSIFIED GUIDELINES > CAR ADVERTISERS Private vendors of motor cars advertised for sale must include in their advertisement • Cash price of motor car • If car is registered, registration number • If unregistered, the engine number > PHOTOGRAPHS All photographs appearing in this issue that are taken by our photographers are available as reprints. > FOUND ADVERTISEMENTS All found advertisements are published free.

Simply provide the details of your find for publication. > PERSONAL ADVERTISERS • All personal photos submitted for printing in this issue must be collected within the next 4 weeks.

• All engagement and marriage notices must carry the signatures of BOTH parties, if under 18 the parents’ signatures as well.

• Birth notices require signatures > ADDITIONS • Bold heading • A various selection of logos are available. > INTERNET In lodging an advertisement with us you agree that we may publish the advertisement on our website. The general terms and condition that apply to publication apply also to publication of material on our website.

BY EMAIL

classifieds@nemedia.com.au

MYRTLEFORD RECREATION RESERVE Notice is given of a

PUBLIC MEETING

to be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 commencing at 7pm.

The purpose of the meeting is to nominate no less than three (3) or more than nine (9) persons as the Committee of Management for the Myrtleford Recreation Reserve for a term of three years. The current committee’s term will expire on May 1, 2025. All positions will be declared open and nominations will be accepted prior to or on the night. Nominations from women, Aboriginal people, people with disabilities, young people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds are encouraged.

Further information, nomination forms and nominee declaration forms may be obtained by contacting your local Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action office or at the meeting. For further enquiries, please contact the Secretary Amanda Shepherd on 0437 104 046.

CreditCard& Eftposfacilities

FOR SALE

FREE RANGE HENS

MUST SELL

ISA Brown Pullets, POL $35ea.

Pick up Wang to Bright

2007 NISSAN PATROL Ti

Manual, approx. 190k on the clock, includes roof rack and awning, selling due to moving interstate, open to negotiation, pick up Wangaratta, (1YP8XF).

$25,000 Ph 0434 590 566

2014 Ford Ranger W i l d t r a c k , Wa n ga ra t t a , 262,000km, RWC, reg till July (1VR2GV), 2 keys, light bar, electric seats, blue tooth, R cam, service history, local, $20,900 ONO. Call Steve 0402 222 634.

Becky & Hugh (03) 5798 1868

Classifieds

Phone:

(03)

5723 0101

freerangehens.com.au

FUNERAL DIRECTORS 2017 Ford Transit CamperVan,54,000km, (1KG6TW),$62,000, for more information ring Phil 0418 994 147.

17 F T 1 9 7 6 Yo r k Caravan, $6000. Call 0493 221 685 and leave a message, I will get back to you when I can.

Family owned and operated

03 5722 2525 www.northeastfunerals.com.au A funeral experience... not just a funeral service

FOR sale steel checker plate trailer, 1500 x 2100, reg (N69098) until July 4, 2025, $300. Ph 0437 454 118.

SOLD

Mason Park Funerals

P. 03 5721 5060 W. masonpark.com.au

CLASSIFIEDS WORK - 5723 0101 SOLD

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Page 20 - THE OBSERVER / TIMES, Wednesday, April 2, 2025

myrtlefordtimes.com.au

SPORT

More Aussie gold for Lachlan, as he fundraises for European campaign BRIGHT teenage cyclist Lachlan Stewart has returned with four gold and two bronze medals after an impressive showing at the 2025 AusCycling Junior Track National Championships at Anna Meares Velodrome in Brisbane last week.

Lachlan was a member of Victoria’s gold winning U17 Boys Team Pursuit team, and also collected individual gold and national titles in the U17 Boys Individual Pursuit, U17 Boys Points Race and U17 Boys Elimination Race.

He also won bronze in the U17 Boys Scratch Race and U17 Boys Keirin.

The performances consolidate an upward trajectory for the talented Alpine Cycling Club member, who also has national titles in road and gravel disciplines.

And it also adds momentum to his aspirations to be a pro road cyclist.

He is currently seeking funding/sponsorship to compete in Europe at an international level in July this year.

Victorian honour for Lachlan AT the same BRIGHT teenage cyclist Lachlan Stewart has being recognised as one of the country’s rising stars at the Victorian School Sports Awards.

The Bright P-12 College student was the recipient of an Outstanding Sporting Achievement Award at last Wednesday’s presentation ceremony at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The award recognised Lachlan’s achievements as one of Australia’s top riders in the Under 17 male category - having earned state and national titles across road, track, MTB and gravel racing last year - as well as an active leader at Bright P-12 College.

His achievements include National Gravel Champion, National Track Madison Champion and National Road Time Trial Champion.

Lachlan has set up a gofundme page and is hoping to raise $10,000 to race a five week period in July/ August 2025 at an international racing camp in Belgium and the Netherlands.

“I hope to compete in the Tour de junior Achterveld 2126 of July in the Netherlands, and the Tour of Assen (27 July1 August) which is the one of the biggest junior tours in the world for Under 17 riders,” he said.

“These camps help support international riders with the

logistics of living and racing in a foreign country as a junior.”

Lachlan said the races and tours in Belgium and the Netherlands are regarded as the biggest and best in Europe, if not the world.

“Many scouts from professional teams closely watch these Under 17 events to sign young riders for the following year,” he said.

To support Lachlan’s cause visit https://www.gofundme. com/f/taking-on-the-cyclingAUSSIE GOLD: Bright cyclist Lachlan Stewart won more national titles last week and is world-racing-in-europecurrently fundraising to race in Europe this year in a bid to become a professional racer. in-2025

TANIA’S IMPRESSIVE HAUL OF 10 GOLD MEDALS AT NATIONAL GAMES MT BEAUTY ambulance community officer, Tania Northey, recently returned from Hobart after achieving outstanding success representing Ambulance Victoria in swimming at the Australasian Police & Emergency Services Games.

Tania, a dedicated swimmer who regularly trains at the Mt Beauty Swimming Pool, brought home an impressive 10 individual gold medals and two relay bronze medals where she teamed with other Victorian emergency service workers from Water Police, Border Force, SES and CFA. Her most rewarding result was winning gold in her first-ever open water competition, a 1500 metre swim in Tiger Head Bay. “I’m a pool swimmer, used to following a black line and happiest when I have a lane to myself, so I was a little nervous about swimming in the ocean amongst a crowd, but I loved it,” Tania said.

The Australasian Police & Emergency Services Games is a 10-day competition which includes representatives from all Australian states and territories, as well as competitors from New Zealand and the Cook Islands.

This year, 2200 competitors contested 60 sports.

The games promote health and wellbeing amongst emergency services workers, in the spirit of friendly competition.

Supporting charity partners are RUOK and Speak Up! Stay ChatTY. Tania’s next major swimming goal is to represent Australia at the World Police & Fire Games which will be held in Perth in March 2027.

She would like to thank her Mt Beauty morning lap swimming buddies for their friendship and encouragement and express her gratitude for the fantastic facility and the dedicated staff at the Mt Beauty Swimming Pool, for without them, she says, MEDAL HAUL: Tawonga swimmer Tania Northey won 10 gold medals at the recent Australasian Police her achievements would not have been & Emergency Services Games. possible.

Wandi ready for Saturday’s colourful community event WANDILIGONG is expected to play host to hundreds of people of all ages this Saturday morning for Alpine Shire Council’s annual ‘Colour Fun Run’ .

The free event is being held at Alpine Park, with attendees of all ages and abilities welcome to run or walk the the picturesque Wandi Trail, covering a distance of 3.5kms.

Participants can gather near the grandstand at Alpine Park and warm-up at 9:15am, before the Colour Fun Run begins at 9:30am.

Attendees are encouraged to wear some white or pale coloured clothes so they can celebrate the event in all its multi-coloured magnificence.

From 11:30am, Al’s Skate Co will also be holding a skateboarding workshop at the Bright Skate Park.

This is a drug, alcohol and smoke-free event.

To find out more info and sign up, go to https://engage. alpineshire.vic.gov.au/ community-hubs/recoveryhub/colour-fun-run-2025.

Prams and wheelchairs will be welcome on the day, however, bikes, scooters, skateboards and dogs are not permitted in the Colour Fun Run in order to keep the event safe for all participants.

THE OBSERVER / TIMES, Wednesday, April 2, 2025 - Page 21

myrtlefordtimes.com.au

WINNERS AND LOSERS

ROUND

�

OVENS AND KING SENIORS LADDER TEAM � WHOROULY � GOORAMBAT � TARRAWINGEE � MILAWA � BRIGHT � GRETA

P � � � � � �

W � � � � � �

L � � � � � �

D � � � � � �

B � � � � � �

� NORTH WANGARATTA � BENALLA ALL BLACKS � KING VALLEY �� BONNIE DOON �� MOYHU

� � � � �

� � � � �

� � � � �

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SCOREBOARD

PTS � � ���.�� � ���.�� � ���.�� � ���.�� � ���.�� � ��.�� � � � � �

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*Ladder correct at time of print from Ovens and King website.

NETBALL SCORES

ROUND � SATURDAY, APRIL �

A GRADE: Tarrawingee 54 def Benalla All Blacks 39 Greta 23 def by Bright 30 Milawa 61 def North Wangaratta 16 Whorouly 52 def Bonnie Doon 40 Goorambat 40 def King Valley 20

MILAWA vs GRETA BRIGHT vs WHOROULY

B GRADE: Tarrawingee 59 def Benalla All Blacks 22 Greta 42 def by Bright 43; Whorouly 44 def Bonnie Doon 43 Milawa 48 def Nth Wang 25; Goorambat 39 def King Valley 17

NTH WANGARATTA vs BONNIE DOON

B RESERVE: Tarrawingee 33 def Benall All Blacks 26 Whorouly 44 def Bonnie Doon 38; Greta 30 def by Bright 43 Milawa 55 def Nth Wang 24; Goorambat 42 def King Valley 19

KING VALLEY vs TARRAWINGEE

C GRADE: Tarrawingee 22 def by Benalla All Blacks 26 Greta 38 def Bright 35; Whorouly 7 def by Bonnie Doon 43 Milawa 47 def Nth Wang 14; Goorambat 11 def by King Valley 76

MOYHU vs GOORAMBAT

�� & UNDER: Tarrawingee 15 def by Benalla All Blacks 35 Whorouly 15 def by Bonnie Doon 50; Greta 13 def by Bright 28 Milawa 54 def Nth Wang 8; Goorambat 5 def by King Valley 53

TARRAWINGEE 4.0 9.6 BENALLA ALL BLACKS 3.1 4.3

12.9 17.14.116 6.6 7.6.48

GRETA BRIGHT

4.5 4.8 2.1 4.6

9.9 11.11.77 8.8 12.14.86

MILAWA NTH WANGARATTA

3.1 8.1 114.4 15.10.100 3.3 4.5 5.6 8.7.55

GOORAMBAT KING VALLEY

4.0 5.3 4.2 4.5

11.6 16.11.107 5.6 6.7.43

WHOROULY BONNIE DOON

4.2 8.4 0.2 1.4

10.5 3.4

GOALS: TARRAWINGEE: N. Gorman 3, A. Cook 3, W. Creed 3, W. Phillips 2, S. Piper 2, S. Peters 1, O. Sharp 1, C. Chamberlain 1, Z. Howard 1. Benalla All Blacks FNC Seniors: M. Ryan 4, D. Broughton 1, C. Drury 1, D. Sinclair 1. BEST: TARRAWINGEE: Z. Howard, S. Piper, A. Cook, W. Creed, H. Amery, A. Amery. BENALLA ALL BLACKS: D. Button, B. Linke, M. Ryan, J. Walker, C. O Donnell, F. Weeks.

GOALS: GRETA: C. Crawford 2, B. Newbold 1, T. Arrowsmith 1, B. Pearson 1, L. Kennett 1, J. Kelly 1, F. Judd 1, J. McClounan 1, J. Bell 1, T. Baker 1. BRIGHT: C. Thomason 5, L. Quirk 2, W. Shem 1, R. Bacon 1, M. Kinthari 1, A. Dalbosco 1, J. Crawley 1. BEST: GRETA: M. Wettern, B. Hooper, L. Kennett, J. Bell, J. Kelly, P. Fruzynski. BRIGHT: W. Shem, J. Crawley, R. Arguello, A. Dalbosco, C. Thomason.

GOALS: GOALS: Milawa: B. Kearns 4, J. Radovanovic 3, J. Baker-Swain 2, A. Bihun 2, H. Allan 2, A. Law 2. NORTH WANGARATTA: T. Nanson 3, J. Brown 1, M. Curtis 1, L. McDonell 1, B. Lane-Gee 1, C. Smith 1. BEST: MILAWA: B. Kearns, J. Radovanovic, A. Law, H. Kebede, A. Bihun, K. Collisson NORTH WANGARATTA: M. Curtis, B. Kingston, J. Nanson, B. Raggett, D. Killen, C. Arbuckle.

GOALS: GOORAMBAT: KING VALLEY: S. Bettio 1, T. Curren 1, O. Day 1, D. Young 1, L. Toohey 1, H. Sims 1. BEST: GOORAMBAT: KING VALLEY: T. Curren, R. Wood, D. Browne, B. Collihole, J. Toy, S. Evans.

GOALS: WHOROULY: M. Newton 6, A. Ankers 4, J. Smith 2. BONNIE DOON: C. Azzopardi 1, C. Turner 1, Z. Tanner 1. BEST: WHOROULY: M. Scott, A. Ankers, E. Woolford, M. Newton, J. Smith, C. Wood. BONNIE DOON: l. Berriman, G. Murray, P. Cairns, J. Curtin, P. Smith, K. Curran.

BENALLA ALL BLACKS � Bye

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Goorambat............... 10.4 (64) King Valley ................. 8.8 (56) GOALS: Goorambat: King Valley: E. Mcdonald 2, B. Sessions 2, S. Lindsay 2, J. Kelly 1. BEST: Goorambat: King Valley: J. Jones, J. Finger, S. Lindsay, B. Sessions, C. Swinburne, E. McDonald.

Milawa....................... 7.8 (50) North Wangaratta..... 7.13 (55) GOALS: Milawa: D. Larkings 2, M. Benton 1, R. Mckay 1, M. Walker 1, J. Stevenson 1, S. De Napoli 1.

North Wangaratta: J. Bartlett 3, C. Dagoli 1, K. Williams 1, D. Williams 1, D. Cutrona 1. BEST: Milawa: S. Williamson, S. De Napoli, D. Larkings, J. Friend, K. Stevenson, D. Farley. North Wangaratta: C. Bell, J. Bartlett, C. Dagoli, D. Cutrona, B. Schulz-Dahlenburg, A. Knights.

Whorouly ................... 5.9 (39) Bonnie Doon ............ 7.13 (55) GOALS: Whorouly: J. Pethybridge 2, B. Harrington 2, M. Bramich 1. Bonnie Doon: C. Houghton 3, T. Leiman 2, J. Kirley 1, L. Pinder 1. BEST: Whorouly: M. Harris, M. Vescio, S. Piazza, B. Harrington, K. Fitzpatrick, J. Morey. Bonnie Doon: T. Leiman, C. Houghton, L. Jenkins, A. Brkljacic, J. Octigan, F. Cameron.

Greta ......................16.7 (103) Bright ........................ 6.6 (42) BEST: Greta: D. Cassidy, A. Kennedy, T. Cheer, B. Hogan, O. Ramage, L. Brown. Bright: S. Cinquegrana, A. Shem, R. Jamieson, W. Redden, D. Martin, Y. Paulsen.

Tarrawingee..........15.14 (104) Benalla All Blacks ....... 6.8 (44) GOALS: Tarrawingee: D. Cleal 3, C. Fitzgerald 2, D. Hogarth 2, M. Smith 2, L. Zane 2, D. Adams 2, T. Salmon 1, T. Younger 1. Benalla All Blacks: H. Ellis 3, B. Marlborough 1, C. Jackson 1, A. Amos 1. BEST: Tarrawingee: D. Hogarth, D. Adams, T. Younger, T. Salmon, T. Barnes, D. Cleal. Benalla All Blacks: A. Amos, J. Kotvas, K. Glass, R. Mihan, B. Marlborough, H. Ellis

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Page 22 - THE OBSERVER / TIMES, Wednesday, April 2, 2025

myrtlefordtimes.com.au

SPORT

Savoy cause a Heart-attack

By NATHAN DE VRIES

end, but the deeper squad we called upon was good,” he said.

“We set the tone early, ‘Richo’ MYRTLEFORD proved they have the firepower up forward to make [Matt Richardson] got on the scoresheet nice and early a couple other AWFA teams nervous after of times, and it was pretty onea crushing victory in the division way traffic after that. one men’s competition over the “Richo scored the first five goals weekend.

Taking to Willow Park on Satur- of the game, we took him off with 15 minutes to go to have a look at day evening, Savoy’s senior men hammered Wodonga Heart to the a few other players.

“Matt Park played his first tune of 9-0. minutes in the seniors for the year Matt Richardson was impossible to keep out, finding the back and found the net after four or five of the net five times before being minutes, that was really pleasing.

“Will Keenan, Scott Peggie and taken off to rest and allow others Azia Feltrin all scored singles as some game time. well.

Senior coach Jayden Vescio “It was one of those games said it was a strong message to where you could drop to the other the competition. team’s standard but I don’t think “We had a bit of a shuffle, we had three or four out on the week- we did that.

“We might’ve done it for 10, 15 minutes when we were trying to force the ball a little bit, but outside of that it was a pretty complete performance.”

The senior men next face Wangaratta City in a midweek FA Cup fixture, before facing Twin City Wanderers on the weekend.

The division one women also tasted success over Heart, taking the win 2-0.

Co-coach Tom Scott said it was the definition of a whole-team performance.

“We were able to withstand an early attack by Heart in the first half, as Alessia [Colanzi] and Gabby [Paglia] dominated, while simultaneously, we created plenty of opportunities in front of goal during the but were

unlucky not to break the Hearts’ keeper’s defence,” he said.

“Going into the second half, the girls were focused on getting the win and controlled all areas of the ground.

“Our first goal came from Amber [Howell attacking down the right side of the field, cutting in towards goal and winning a penalty, which was taken and completed by Sienna Alam.

“Eventually Georgia [Mahoney] secured the brace after a midfield possession from Colette [Suter].

“It was excellent to see each player contribute to the win and earn some reward for their efforts over the past month.”

The senior women have the bye this weekend.

A SET OF NINE: Tom Morrison and Savoy’s senior men’s side handed Wodonga Heart a crushing 9-0 result. PHOTO: Melissa Beattie

Autumn golf in full swing MYRTLEFORD GOLF CLUB

The second round of the Men’s Club Championships was played on SATURDAY, 29 March Saturday 22 March which was won by MYRTLEFRORD BAKEHOUSE one of our lady visitors in Amy Van De STABLEFORD & SUPER & AMCR 71 Den with a net 67 from Victor Selway A Grade Winner: Jim Martin (14) 35 with net 69. pts. A Grade Runner Up: Brad Carroll Victor shot one under par for his (7) 34 pts c/b. net 69 - Amy played well as she is Super 6 Winner Jim Martin (14) fairly new to the sport and was aided 14 pts. Super 6 Runner Up: Damien by her 54 handicap, but she lost 17.5 Rossato (11) 11 pts c/b. off her handicap for her efforts.

Ball Winners: G Browne 34, D Her friend Tash Callewaert, also Rossato 32, A McKarral 32. new to the sport, came in with a net Foodworks NTPs - 1st: Noel Grant, 70 along with Stuie Jelbart.

4th 2nd shot: Jim Martin, 8th: Brad Sam Perry and Peter Johns also got Carroll, 14th: Damien Rossato, 16th: a ball with their net 71s.

Zac Cunneen.

NTP on the seventh, along with the Matthews Cleaning Encouragement Tatts Ticket from the Tawonga South Award: Craig Shewell 24 pts.

Newsagency & Post Office, was Rick Raffle Winner: Zac Cunneen.

Biesboer.

Thursday, 27 March The ninth was Peter Johns, the Myrtleford Bakehouse Stableford 17th was Stephen Short, with Ron AMCR 73 Gallagher taking the money on the A Grade Winner: Judy Bynon (19) 18th.

36c/b. A Grade Runner Up: Helen It was a great Monday game with Mummery (30) 36pts.

Andrew Cook winning on a countback Ball Winners: Marg Curtis, Kerry with 40 points.

Chapman, Sandra Piazza.

A roaring 23 points on the back Foodworks NTPs - 2/4th: Barb nine will get it done most days - a late Welch, 8th: Kerry Newton, 14th: birdie on 16 gave Andrew four points Robyn Ternes. and he finished off strong to take the Tuesday, 25 March Monday win.

Myrtleford Bakehouse Stableford Just missing out again, Victor AMCR 73 Selway shot a 71 and 40 points on the A Grade Winner - Men: Jim Martin back of his Saturday’s second placing (12) 39pts. A Grade Runner Up – Men: behind a 54 handicapper.

Colin Walker (25) 38pts.

There is no doubt it is a great A Grade Winner – Ladies: Heather game golf - people of all abilities can Street (40) 40pts. A Grade Runner Up compete against each other.

– Ladies: Lesley Browne (33) 37c/b.

Brian Henning played well for 37 Ball Winners – Men: David points and again Sam Bakes shot 68 Cummins, Andrew Roseby, Tony for 37 points (with a ball OOB on five).

Chapman, William Slade, Jeffrey Luke, the pro from Thurgoona also Ramsdale. shot another 68 for 36 points (and his Ball Winners – Ladies: Helen handicap went out .2 - tough game).

Mummery, Jan Roseby, Carolyn Wednesday, 26 March was the front Prowse, Judy Bynon, Faye McLees. nine for the men which was won by 9 Hole Winner: Robyn Ternes Brian Henning with 20 points from (18) 17pts. 9 Hole Runner Up: Marg Trevor English with 19 points.

Fitridge (33) 15pts.

A total of 18 points was enough for NTPs - 1st: David Cummins, 2/4th: Craig Docherty to secure a ball while Robyn Ternes, Steve Grimes, 8th: 17 points also got Ron Gallagher a Fox O’Donohue, 14th: Judy Bynon, ball.

George Browne, 16th: Peter Stewart.

NTP on the seventh was Trevor English while the club kept the ball MOUNT BEAUTY GOLF CLUB for the ninth.

THE front nine at the Mount Beauty A break from the blue tees and Golf Club was played by the Ladies on the stress of the Championships, Wednesday, 19 March, and was won the men played a two ball multiplier

by Ute Svoboda with 19 points from stableford round on Saturday, 29 Ruth Rynehart with 18 points.

March which was won by Roger NTP (second shot) on the seventh Church and Ron Gallagher. was Lynda Barter.

The duo finished with a score of 74 The ladies played the 18 holes on points (72 is a handicap par round Saturday, 22 March which was won by for this format) from Don Mason and Gill Harrowfield with 39 points from Allan Retallick with 73 points.

Lynda Barter with 37 points.

The next team up was Stuie Jelbart NTP (second shot) on the 18th was and Neil Tappe.

Helen Whittaker.

NTP on the seventh, along with the

Winners: Robert Taylor 9 H/C a fine 40 points, Robert Davey 22 H/C 39 points, Ian McIntyre 20 H/C 37 points C/B, Nifty Nev Blewitt 22 H/C 37 points C/B, Butch Thomas 25 H/C 37 points C/B, Andy Miller 15 H/C 37 points.

Ball winners: Beau Whitely 36 Pts C/B, Buffalo Bill Kelty 36 points C/B Peter McGrath 36 points, Troy Stevens 35 points C/B, Steve O’Rielly 35 points, Peter Dredge 34 points C/B, Rod Brown 34 points C/B, and Mick Dunne 34 points.

NTPs - 3rd: Andy Armstrong, 6th: Johnnie Ocean, 11th: Mark Stephenson, 16th: Graham Badrock.

Chicken winner was Crusty Carlisle with 20 points, and the NAGA went to Graham ‘The Laird from Osborne Flat’ McElvenny with a respectable 24 points.

Friday, 28 March, ladies nine-hole stableford competition.

The ladies are enjoying their time, and the results were as follows.

Winner: Giselle Braithwaite 15 points C/B and in second place, Faye McLees 15 points C/B. NTP on the sixth hole was Faye McLees.

Saturday, 29 March, all gender two person Ambrose.

A field of 58 players, in teams of two played in wet and trying WINNERS: Roger Church and Ron Gallagher took out Saturday’s conditions, with 22 teams playing stableford at Mount Beauty. under their handicaps, and here stroke, and no one played under their there are.

Tatts Ticket from the Tawonga South Phil Bardsley-Smith and David handicaps.

Newsagency & Post Office, was Victor Kelly nett 63, Darren Stanton and Winners: Mark Stephenson, 6 H/C Selway, while the ninth was also Victor.

Craig Hobson nett 65 C/B, Darcy nett 73, and in second place Denis The 17th was Dave Browning and the club kept the money on the 18th. Hayes, 26 H/C nett 74 on a countback. Beecher and Mitch Banks nett 65.

Ball winners: Tina and Andy Cook Ball winners: Ross Heydon nett Better individual scores on the nett 65.6, Chris Oswin and Greg 74, Ian Browne nett 75 C/B, Colin day were Roger Church and Ron Walshy Walsh 65.75 nett, Taine Pearse Richardson nett 75 C/B, Mick Dunne Gallagher who both had 37 points. and Guy Packham nett 66.5, Jason nett 75.

Allan Retallick, Don Mason, Victor Fillippi and Shaun Paul nett 67.5 C/B, NTPs - 3rd: Ian Browne, 6th: Mark Selway, Stuie Jelbart and Brian and finally Crusty Carlisle and Mo Stephenson, 11th; Kevin Reed, 16th: Henning all had 36 points each.

O’Shea nett 67.5.

Robert Taylor.

BRIGHT COUNTRY GOLF CLUB NTPs - 3rd: Johnnie Ocean, 6th: Wednesday, 26 March, Ladies jackpot, 11th: Peter Dredge, 16th: Maggio Cup Stableford competition.

DID you know, the game of golf is John O’Shea.

The scoring was tough, and the strongly tied to Scotland?

The NAGA for the day went to a I’m sure you knew this, but in 1457 results are as follows: Winner: Carol Burgess playing off a couple of Bright’s finest, Panga and King James II banned the practise 12 handicap, 34 points and in second Butch nett 74.5. of playing golf as it interfered with The Bright Golf Guru interesting place, Robyn McGrath 16 handicap, archery practice, then a crucial skill fact about golf: legend says it all 32 points on a countback. for national defence. began in 1952 in St Andrews back Ball winners: Fran Bentley 32 In 1502 King James IV lifted the ban when golf courses ranged from seven points, Tina Cook 30 points on a and became a golfer himself, further to 13 to 22 holes. countback. solidifying the game’s popularity.

Tradition was that you took a ‘fifth’ NTPs - 3rd: Tina Cook, 6th: Carol Enough of this week’s history bottle of scotch around the course Burgess, 11th: Fran Bentley, 16th: lesson, it’s time for the rundown of with you during play.

Carol Burgess. golf in Bright this week.

A bottle of scotch is roughly, 18 Thursday, 27 March, men’s Monday, 24th of March was an all small glasses worth (give or take) Stableford competition. gender veteran’s golf, and much to and after every hole, it was custom to A group of 40 golfers teed off in everyone’s surprise, it was a stroke perfect conditions, and for a change, take a tipple. round.

So, then it was settled - 18 tipples six players played under their A group of 16 players felt the of scotch for 18 holes of golf. handicaps. need to torment themselves playing

THE OBSERVER / TIMES, Wednesday, April 2, 2025 - Page 23

myrtlefordtimes.com.au

SPORT

ONE of the premier junior racing events on the calendar comes to the region next week, with the Alpe de Buffalo returning from April 12-13.

Round one of the AusCycling Victorian Junior Road Series and Run over two days with three exciting stages, it offers a wonderful opportunity for junior road riders to challenge their skills.

The course is challenging but accessible to the junior riders, with three stages over two days.

Stage one consists of 1.3km criterium circuit around Pioneer Park in Bright on Saturday, 12 April, before stage two takes riders on and out-and-back time trial down Back Germantown Road.

The event culminates in the Junior Hillclimb Championship up Mount Buffalo on Sunday, with riders challenged by the steep ascent, set to finish at the historic mount Buffalo Chalet.

“The Alpe de Buffalo is an important race because it a grass roots event that gives junior riders access to try road racing in a safe but challenging environment,” a spokesperson for the Alpine Cycling Club said.

“This junior Victorian series has been the beginning of many professional Australian cyclist and some Olympians too.”

The Alpe de Buffalo com-

Alpine

rofessional P Alpe de Buffalo is almost here Consultants

&

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4-1a Camp Street, Bright Phone: 5755 5105 E enquiries@brightaccounting.com.au

BELMORES CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS (formerly CRM Business Advisers) READY TO CLIMB: The 2025 Alpe de Buffalo will take riders up the scenic road to the Mount Buffalo Chalet.

PHOTO: Jean-Pierre Ronco menced for the first time in 2009 as the State Junior Mountain Climbing Championships, and it was elevated to National Championship status in 2010.

After lobbying Cycling Australia the Under 19’s event became a selection race for the Junior World Championships.

With the elevation of the Under 19’s to National Championship status and a selection race,

the event had reached the pinnacle in three short years, and was now acting as a genuine springboard for the juniors stepping into the senior ranks.

The event continued to grow in popularity with entry numbers nearing 200 competitors from all over Australia.

It is considered by many who attend the event to be the most challenging and best run junior

road event in the country.

Cycling Victoria sadly decided to relinquish the National Championship status for the event but it remains a popular and important event in the junior road racing calendar.

The 2025 Alpe de Buffalo runs from April 12-13 – for more information, visit alpinecyclingclub. com.au or check out Alpine Cycling Club on Facebook.

Certified Practising Accountants Myrtleford, 1-7 Albert Street Phone: 5752 2288 Bright, 3 Ireland Street Phone: 5755 1327 www.belmores.com.au

PAYNTER & ASSOCIATES Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors 25 Clyde Street Myrtleford Phone: 5751 1995 Email admin@paynterassoc.com.au www.paynterandassociates.com.au

Clinical Massage MYOTHERAPY, MUSCLE HEALTH & FITNESS

WIN IT BACK: Abbey Forrest looks to regain possession of the ball.

Dennis Kersting Dip. RM CM. Myrtleford - 18 Rayner Street Phone: 0427 440 744

Hearing Services JO ROSS-JACKSON HEARING CENTRES Now at 29 Clyde Street Myrtleford Plus Standish Street Surgery & Bright Allied Health For appointments call 5752 2817

FORWARD FRENZY: Michael Newton kicked six goals for the Lions.

Insurance Brokers OVENS VALLEY INSURANCE BROKERS Myrtleford, 47 Clyde Street Phone: 5752 1151 Bright, 104 Gavan St Phone: 5715 9705 Email: info@ovib.com.au

Solicitors DRIVING FORCE: Jessie Smith sends the Lions forward in their statement win over Bonnie Doon on the weekend.

PHOTOS: Nathan de Vries

QUICK PASS: Ebony Allen passes the ball through the midcourt.

TONER & MAY LEGAL BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS

Whorouly knock off 2023 football premiers, 2024 netball premiers in round one of O&K

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The Lions were slow off the mark, letting the Bombers take a 9-17 lead into the first break, but the fight was on.

A second quarter surge saw the Lions defend hard and transition the ball down the court cleanly, conceding only seven goals while scoring 13 of their own.

Whorouly kept the pressure on

through the second half, extending their lead and working hard defensively to run out winners by 12 goals.

The defensive unit of Sally Wood, Ebony Allen and Laura Keighran were strong and turned the ball over well, while Abbey Forest was dominant under the post, shooting 38 goals from 47 shots.

Midcourt recruit Sally Sharp was dynamic in her first official

match for the Lions, moving the ball well outside the ring.

In other matches, the Lions fought hard against the talented youth squads from Bonnie Doon, with both the under 15s (15-50) and under 17s (7-43) downed by the Bombers.

The B reserve side started their season with a 44-38 win, while the B grade game finished in a

thrilling 44-43 result going the way of the Lions.

Whorouly hits the road for the first time this season, heading up the mountain to take on Bright.

It will be a massive match for all squads, particularly the senior football and A grade netball squads, with Bright coming off statements wins over Greta in both grades.

Phone: 03 5752 1493 2A Camp Street, Bright, Phone: 03 5750 1819 Email: or jess@tonerandmaylegal.com.au

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Page 24 - THE OBSERVER / TIMES, Wednesday, April 2, 2025

myrtlefordtimes.com.au

SPORT

Alwis sweeps A grade awards LAST Monday night saw the senior cricket community come together and celebrate the 2024/25 WDCA cricket season.

Ovens Valley United’s Geeth Alwis almost cleanswept the entire A grade category, taking home the batting and bowling aggregate and average awards, alongside Player of the Year gongs in PlayHQ points and umpire votes.

Due to the close nature of the B grade umpire vote count, the award winner will be announced at a later date.

Full list of award winners A grade Player of the Year – Points: Geeth Alwis, Ovens Valley United (1035 points).

Chronicle Trophy – Umpire Votes: Geeth Alwis, Ovens Valley United (16 votes).

Batting – Average: Geeth Alwis, Ovens Valley United

(69.50 average).

Batting – Aggregate: Geeth Alwis, Ovens Valley United (695 runs).

Bowling – Average: Geeth Alwis, Ovens Valley United (8.74 average).

Bowling – Aggregate: Geeth Alwis, Ovens Valley United and Angus Heslin, Yarrawonga Mulwala (31 wickets).

Golden Gloves: Reid Clarke, Yarrawonga Mulwala (17 catches, 3 stumpings).

A reserve Player of the Year – Points: Mark O’Loughlan, Delatite (692 points).

Player of the Year – Umpire Votes: Fraser Smart, Yarrawonga Mulwala (20 votes).

Batting – Average: Justin Solimo, City Colts (50.80 average).

Batting – Aggregate: Mark O’Loughlan, Delatite (572 runs).

CHAMPION PLAYER: Geeth Alwis needed a wheelbarrow to carry all of his awards from the WDCA senior presentation night.

PHOTO: Janet Watt Bowling – Average: Mark Drage, Rovers United Bruck (11.10 average).

Bowling – Aggregate: Will Graham, Rovers United Bruck (29 wickets).

Golden Gloves: Connor Dennis, Rovers United Bruck (15 catches, 0 stumpings).

B grade Player of the Year – Points: Jeremy Ackroyd, Rovers United Bruck (596 points).

Chronicle Trophy – Umpire Votes: pending.

Batting – Average: Jeremy Ackroyd, Rovers United Bruck (58.00 average).

Batting – Aggregate: Andrew Balfour, Rovers United Bruck (438 runs).

Bowling – Average: Kurt Schmidt, Rutherglen United (5.60 average).

Bowling – Aggregate: Brendan Duncombe, Benalla Bushrangers (31 wickets).

Golden Gloves: Nathan de Vries, Milawa (26 catches, 0 stumpings).

C grade Player of the Year – Points: Jordan Smith, Benalla Bushrangers (710 points).

Chronicle Trophy – Umpire Votes: Simon O’Brien, Greta (15 votes).

Batting – Average: Jordan Smith, Benalla Bushrangers (74.67 average).

Batting – Aggregate: Chris Nuck, Beechworth Wanderers (481 runs).

Bowling – Average: Ryan Niklaus, Beechworth Wanderers (6.45 average).

Bowling – Aggregate: Nicholas Jacobs, Benalla Bushrangers (27 wickets).

Golden Gloves: Damian Leeburn, Yarrawonga Mulwala (14 catches, 5 stumpings).

Best Player at Melbourne Country Week: Paddy McNamara, Rovers United Bruck and Cooper Thomason, Ovens Valley United (16 votes).

Best Young Player in B/C Grade: Darcy Hargreaves, Yarrawonga Mulwala.

A Grade Rising Star: Jed Marek, City Colts.

Best U/21 A Grade Player: Gregor Fraser, Ovens Valley United.

Umpire of the Year: Len Holden.

Volunteer of the Year: Nic Bonwick, Wangaratta Magpies.

Spirit of Cricket Team Award: Beechworth Wanderers A grade.

Best and brightest junior cricketers honoured OVER 150 people flocked to the Wangaratta Turf Club last Wednesday night to celebrate the junior cricket season, with stars in every age group awarded for their efforts.

Full list of award winners Under 16 Batting – Average: Reid McNamara, Rovers United Bruck (62.40 average).

Batting – Aggregate: Benjamin McMasters, Ovens Valley United (314 runs).

Bowling – Average: Alasdair Brett, City Colts (8.73 average).

Bowling – Aggregate: Nixen Martin, Delatite (13 wickets).

Fielding: Lenny Sims, Wangaratta Magpies (11 catches, 0 run outs).

Golden Gloves: Lucas Ham, Benalla Bushrangers (8 catches, 6 stumpings).

Champion Player: Reid McNamara, Rovers United Bruck (422 points).

Under 14 Batting – Average: Taylor Thomson (64.75 average).

Batting – Aggregate: Gus Marek, City Colts (262 runs).

Bowling – Average: Xavier

De Fazio, Benalla Bushrangers (5.00 average).

Bowling – Aggregate: Xavier De Fazio, Benalla Bushrangers (15 wickets).

Fielding: Harry Dean, Wangaratta Magpies (9 catches, 1 run out).

Golden Gloves: Mitch McMasters, Ovens Valley United (8 catches, 4 stumpings).

Female Cricketer of the Year: Marianne Edwards, Beechworth Wanderers (89 points).

Champion Player: Taylor Thomson, Beechworth Wanderers (409 points).

Under 14 All Girls Cricket League Batting – Aggregate: Mahlee Hartwig, Rovers United Bruck (119 runs).

Bowling – Aggregate: Ella Tucker, City Colts (14 wickets).

Under 12 – Blue Batting – Average: Judd Campbell, Rovers United Bruck (106.00 average).

Batting – Aggregate: Judd Campbell, Rovers United Bruck (318 runs).

Bowling – Average: Jack Spring, City Colts (5.25 average).

Hunter Harris.

Mitch McMasters.

Bowling – Aggregate: Jack Spring, City Colts (12 wickets).

Fielding: Hunter Harris, Ovens Valley United (6 catches, 3 run outs).

Golden Gloves: Rylan Harris, Ovens Valley United (3 catches, 1 stumping).

Female Cricketer of the Year: Annabelle Wenn, Ovens Valley United (138 points).

Champion Player: Judd Campbell, Rovers United Bruck (409 points).

Under 12 – Gold Batting – Average: Isaac McLarty, Yarrawonga Mul-

Ben McMasters.

wala (133.67 average).

Batting – Aggregate: Benji Wollington, Yarrawonga Mulwala (469 runs).

Bowling – Average: Edward Clancy, Benalla Bushrangers (5.73 average).

Bowling – Aggregate: Isaac McLarty, Yarrawonga Mulwala (15 wickets).

Fielding: Harry Gumley, Wangaratta Magpies (13 catches, 1 run out).

Golden Gloves: Max Patterson, Wangaratta Magpies; Sam Mount, Benalla Bushrangers; Todd Lawless, Yarrawonga Mulwala (4 catches, 0 stumpings).

Rylan Harris.

Female Cricketer of the Year: Kirsty Plevnik, Yarrawonga Mulwala (200 points).

Champion Player: Benji Wollington, Yarrawonga Mulwala (644 points).

WDCA Junior Team of the Year Reid McNamara (Rovers United Bruck) (C), Taylor Thomson (Beechworth Wanderers) (vc), Benji Wollington (Yarrawonga Mulwala) (vc), Judd Campbell (Rovers United Bruck) (vc), Ben McMasters (Ovens Valley United), Alasdair Brett (City Colts), Nixen Martin

(Delatite), Lucas Ham (Benalla Bushrangers) (wk), Gus Marek (City Colts), Xavier De Fazio (Benalla Bushrangers), Jack Spring (City Colts), Isaac McLarty (Yarrawonga Mulwala), Edward Clancy (Benalla Bushrangers).

Under 16 Rising Star – Monthly Winners: Reid McNamara, Rovers United Bruck; Noah White, Ovens Valley United; Nixen Martin, Delatite; Ryan Parsons, Rovers United Bruck; Ben McMasters, Ovens Valley United.

Under 16 Rising Star – Overall Winner: Ried McNamara, Rovers United Bruck.

A Grade Under 18 Rising Star – Monthly Winners: Noah White, Ovens Valley United; Jonty Priest, Benalla Bushrangers; Jed Marek, City Colts; Van Kreek, Yarrawonga Mulwala; Charlie Lugg, Rovers United Bruck; Lucas Ham, Benalla Bushrangers.

A Grade Under 18 Rising Star – Overall Winner: Jed Marek, City Colts.

Junior Volunteer of the Year: Jason Parsons, Rovers United Bruck.

ROUND RESULTS U14 Boys

42

def by

Shepparton 1 64

U14 Girls

30

drew

Camberwell 3 30

U16 Boys 1 65

def

Kilsyth 2 23

U16 Boys 2 54

def

Shepparton 1 48

(Top Scorers: M. How 10, J. Key 8, L. Harcus 8)

(Top Scorers: N. Thomas 7, L. Dunlop 6, G. Crowe 5)

(Top Scorers: B. Buckland 13, P. Whitehead 11, S. Wright 11)

U16 Girls

45

def

Geelong 1 40

U18 Boys 1 43

def by

Chelsea 1 45

U18 Boys 2 26

def by

Sunbury 3 57

(Top Scorers: M. Moscrop 8, C. Liddell 6, A. Gray 6) (Top Scorers: L. Cashman 14, S. Kain 8, L. Russell 6) (Top Scorers: R. Casanova 8, S. Wills 6, J. Payne 5)

(Top Scorers: C. Potter 12, R. Grant 12, C. Keatch 9)

North East Bushrangers (NEB) is a collaboration between local North East basketball associations with the commitment of “Creating Realistic Pathways for all North East Athletes.”

2025 sees seven NEB junior boys and girls teams compete in the Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL), the highest level of junior competition in Victoria.

THE OBSERVER / TIMES, Wednesday, April 2, 2025 - Page 25

myrtlefordtimes.com.au

SPORT

Mountain Men claim sweet revenge Bright seniors come over the top of premiers Greta in grand final rematch

By NATHAN DE VRIES THE blockbuster first round of the Ovens and King football season lived up to the hype on Saturday.

As Greta unfurled their first seniors premiership flag in 25 years in front of an exuberant home crowd, it would be Bright who went on to spoil the party in a thrilling upset.

After four quarters of quality football, the Mountain Men pulled one over on the reigning premiers, taking the points 12.14 (86) to the Blues’ 11.11 (77).

After falling at the final hurdle last season to the tune of 68 points, the Mountain Men were determined to produce a better showing.

It took some time to work into the game, with Greta’s midfield pressure and forward prowess affording them a 16-point lead at the first break.

Bright started moving the ball better, while the defensive structure started paying dividends.

Greta were kept goalless through the second term, as Bright found more forward entries to trail by just two points at half-time.

The second half was a struggle for both teams, as the realities of a full match and the humidity started having an effect on players.

A five goal to four third term kept Greta’s noses in

FORWARD PRESSURE: Paul Fruzynski tries to get a fist to the ball as Cooper Thomason settles for the mark.

PHOTOS: Richard Xerri

HIT OUT: Greta’s Mark Wettern soars in the ruck. front to the tune of seven points with a quarter to play.

Ultimately, Bright started to get on top in the midfield while nullifying any Greta advance, and with more shots on goal in the final term, the Mountain Men managed to run out winners by just nine points, a thrilling start to the

season for both teams.

Bright coach Michael Quirk said he was impressed by how his side performed against one of the benchmark teams of the competition.

“We always knew it was going to be tough when the fixture came out – Greta, reign-

ing premiers, at the home ground was always going to be a very tough assignment, so we gave ourselves time to set ourselves for it,” he said.

“The first five minutes were very even, both sides were very competitive early, the Greta got onto the end of a few and kicked some goals,

and there was a bit of a buffer there going into quarter time.

“We played Sam Buckley on Frazer Judd, we thought that would be a good matchup from our side.

“We wanted to be physical on a few players, we gave some players some jobs to do

and targeted their core group of players, their match-winners.

“I thought our guys stuck to their tasks quite well in shutdown roles.”

The Mountain Men lifted, and managed to kick true and defend hard to take the win by nine points.

Will Shem was best on ground for Bright, while forward dynamo Cooper Thomason kicked five goals.

Greta’s Mark Wettern, Lachie Kennett and Josh Bell were impactful for the home side.

After the heartbreak in September last year, Quirk said the monumental effort from the whole team in the final term was incredible to see.

“The three-quarter time address was all about how much they want to win it - you can talk about game plan and structures and all of that sort of stuff, but it came down to how much both teams wanted to win it,” he said. “‘Shemmy’ [Will Shem] ran with McClounan and did a very good job on James, minimised his impact.

“Buckley on Judd, Zander Dalbosco on [Josh] Bell, we think those guys did their job for the team and helped us win at the end of the day.”

Bright hosts Whorouly this Saturday for their first home game of season 2025.

Bright make huge statement in O&K netball opener intensity of their defences at each end of the court, both sides struggled in front of the ring in terms of accuracy, with all shooters hovering around the 50 per cent conversion rate for the match.

Bright’s A grade coach Grimes, who was named best on court for her influence on the game, was understandably thrilled with the side’s performance throughout the match.

“It was an absolutely amazing four-quarter effort from the team, and every single player out on the court played their role and had a huge part in the win,” Grimes said.

“The team showed great determination, lifting the intensity when it mattered most, and the

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girls really showed off all the hard work they had done in pre-season.

“We will be looking to build on this momentum in the coming weeks.”

Their next game against Whorouly, who themselves had a significant victory against reigning premier Bonnie Doon, will be another chance for Bright to see where they stand among the league’s best teams.

At a venue where visiting teams usually find it hard to leave with success, Greta Recreation Reserve was a happy hunting ground for four of Bright’s five netball sides, with their B grade, B reserve, under 17 and under 15 teams also recording early-season victories.

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seven-goal victory, with the scoreboard reading 30-23 at the end of four tense quarters.

In what was a low-scoring and high-pressure game from the outset, it was Bright who brought the heat early on, keeping up with the more-fancied Greta side to trail by one goal at the first break, then managed to level the scores at 15all at half-time.

Not only were they competitive in the closing stages of the game, but Bright managed to hold Greta at bay, and increase their narrow lead to three goals with a quarter to play, then were able to extend the final margin to seven goals by the final whistle.

Highlighting the strength and

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A STUNNING performance from Bright’s A grade netball team has secured them an historic firstround win against Greta last Saturday.

If 2024 ladder positions and recent history between the two sides were any indication of the outcome of the weekend’s game, then Bright had absolutely no right to win against the Blues in their seasonopening match, with Greta setting the benchmark for many years.

But the arrival of fresh faces into the squad, the continued development of former juniors Hannah Witts and Molly Whitty rising through the senior grades, and the influence of new coach Ash Grimes have all contributed to the upset

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Page 26 - THE OBSERVER / TIMES, Wednesday, April 2, 2025

myrtlefordtimes.com.au

SPORT

MATT’S BACK: Matt Taberner will return to his roots and play for Myrtleford this season.

PHOTO: Myrtleford Alpine Saints Football Netball Club/Facebook

Docker a lock for Saints ONE of the region’s most successful football products is returning to where it all started, with former Fremantle Docker Matt Tabener signing on for season 2025.

The club announced the signing via their social media early Friday afternoon.

Taberner has a key figure at Fremantle for several years, playing 125 games at the AFL level across 13 years, and kicking 173 goals.

He was the club’s leading goal kicker in 2020 and 2021, and was delisted by the Dockers in 2024.

The 31-year-old began his football career with Bright and then joined the Myrtleford Football Netball Club before being drafted to Fremantle in 2012 via the AFL Rookie draft.

Taberner said he was eager to return to his roots and play for the club which holds a special place in his heart.

“I’m super excited about returning to Myrtleford and to contribute to the club where it all started for me,” he said.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to give back to the Saints community after the club did a lot for me before I was drafted.”

Myrtleford senior coach Craig Millar was elated at Taberner’s return.

“Having someone of Matt’s calibre return to our club is a huge boost for us,” Millar said.

“His professionalism, experience, and leadership will be invaluable.

“We can’t wait to see Matt back out on the field wearing the Myrtleford colours again.”

The Saints commence their 2025 Ovens and Murray season at Biralee Park on Saturday, 12 April against Wodonga Raiders.

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TREKKING ALONG: Almost 3000 participants took to the rocky trails around Bright for the Buffalo Stampede weekend.

PHOTO: Kate Proctor

Thousands turn out for Buffalo Stampede

AT the 2025 Buffalo Stampede, the town of Bright welcomed 2,888 eager trail runners to embark on the tough and technical courses of the iconic Victorian mountain and trail running event.

In the 11th year of the event, participant numbers have exceeded all previous records.

The podiums were represented with athletes from all corners of the globe, and Bright locals stood shoulder to shoulder with international elite athletes at the end of the day.

Races ranged from the 2km Bright Junior Trail Run to the Buffalo Stampede 100km ordeal, and the most eager trail runners competed in multiday events.

The multi-day events saw some running the 10km, 100km and 42km all in the one weekend amassing a total of 152kms over the whole weekend.

Conditions over the weekend threw everything they could at the participants, with chilling winds at the Chalet of Mount Buffalo for the start of the Marathon early Sunday morning, and pouring rain to kick off the 100km event on Saturday morning with high humidity to deal with by midday.

Eszter Csillag from Hungary, the 100km female champion and second overall, had been in the area for over a week scouting the course.

She described the day as “perfect” and completed the 100km course in 10hr 51min 25sec, with a dominant second half of the course.

Mickey Dimuntes, the 42km marathon champion who ran from the Chalet of Mount Buffalo back to Bright in 3hrs 27min 45sec described the course as “fun, so nice and the middle section, beautiful.”

First-time runners all the way to

BEST OF THE BEST: The podium for the Buffalo Stampede 10km women’s race, with (from left) Jessica Ronan, Sara-Jane Donges and Belinda Dore the first three MARATHON MAN: Mikey Dimuantes across the line. won the men’s 42km marathon PHOTO: Majell Backhausen race.

PHOTO: Majell Backhausen experienced national representatives toed the line this past weekend to take on some of the best trail running courses in the country.

A total of 34 countries were represented this weekend across the field too, with Australia unsurprisingly the most represented, then UK, France, Austria, Canada, Spain and New Zealand athletes among the field.

RESULTS 5km Family Fun Run FEMALE 1st - Kate AVERY 26:06.

2nd - Isabel WINSBURY 27:13.

3rd - Naomi WARNER 29:25.

MALE 1st - Timothy MALONE 25:55.

2nd - Angus MILLER 28:24.

3rd - Harmon HOODCAMP 28:28.

10km Twilight SkySprint FEMALE 1st - Sara-Jane DONGES 1:00:53.

2nd - Jessica RONAN 1:02:04.

3rd - Belinda DORE 1:02:11.

MALE 1st - Blake HOSE 52:56.

2nd - Iain BEST 53:53.

3rd - Dan TREVENA 55:42.

20km SkyRun FEMALE 1st - Bridget LUNN 2:07:43.

2nd - Demi CALDWELL 2:08:42.

3rd - Laura GILLARD 2:08:55.

MALE 1st - Charlie HAMILTON 1:41:49.

2nd - James BARNETT 1:41:59.

3rd - Andrew GATENBY 1:43:12.

42km SkyMarathon FEMALE 1st - Miah NOBLE 4:07:58.

2nd - Sophie BROOME 4:11:54.

3rd - Julia ANDERSON 4:13:27.

MALE 1st - Mikey DIMUANTES 3:27:45.

2nd - Jack BRAND 3:41:10.

3rd - Gerald MACPHERSON 3:44:10.

BRIGHT ULTRA 100km

SCENIC RACE: Participants in the Buffalo Stampede were treated to some gorgeous vistas of the Alpine region as they trekked through.

PHOTO: Kate Proctor FEMALE 1st - Eszter CSILLAG 10:51:25.

2nd - Bridie TEMPLE 12:32:05.

3rd - Hannah MCRAE 12:39:05.

MALE 1st - Michael DUNSTAN 10:29:17.

2nd - Thomas DADE 11:07:21.

3rd - Tyla WINDHAM 11:20:55.

72km Buffalo Stampede Grand Slam FEMALE 1st - Lauren ROOKE 8:32:47.

2nd - Sarah PARKINS 8:58:35.

3rd - Tegan PORTER 9:11:24.

MALE 1st - Jarrod OWEN 6:52:59.

2nd - Thomas SAUVAITRE 6:58:14.

3rd - Alex BATE 7:19:16.

152km Bright Ultra Grand Slam FEMALE 1st - Kate MACMUNN 25:09:18.

MALE 1st - Jeremy MAY 18:47:39.

2nd - Samuel STOW 19:38:17.

3rd - Tim WOODS 20:08:27.

BUSINESS

myrtlefordtimes.com.au

Footy2025 20

THE OBSERVER / TIMES, Wednesday, April 2, 2025 - Page 27

AFL

TIPPING

Collingwood Geelong Adelaide Brisbane Lions North Melbourne Greater Western Sydney Port Adelaide Western Bulldogs

TIPSTER

Collingwood Geelong Gold Coast Brisbane Lions Sydney Greater Western Sydney Port Adelaide Fremantle

Amanda Toner

TIPSTER

30 Ovens St, Wangaratta P: 03 5722 9600 W: travelncruise.com.au

ROUND 04

Collingwood Geelong Gold Coast Brisbane Lions Sydney Greater Western Sydney Port Adelaide Fremantle

Helen Haines MP

TIPSTER

THURSDAY APR 3 Collingwood vs. Carlton (M.C.G.)

TONER & ASSOCIATES

HELEN HAINES MP

BRIGHT COMMUNITY BANK

5752 1493 86 Standish St Myrtleford Rear Unit 4, 4 Ireland St Bright

5721 7077 117 Murphy St Wangaratta

5755 1932 104 Gavan St Bright

www.tonerandassociates.com.au

www.helenhaines.org

www.bendigobank.com.au

Last week: 7

TOTAL: 20

Collingwood Geelong Gold Coast Brisbane Lions Sydney Greater Western Sydney Port Adelaide Fremantle

TIPSTER

Last week: 6 Collingwood Geelong Adelaide Brisbane Lions Sydney Greater Western Sydney Port Adelaide Western Bulldogs

Rebecca Healey NEVIN LENNE GROSS

TIPSTER

www.nlgsolicitors.com.au

TOTAL: 19

Carlton Geelong Adelaide Brisbane Lions Sydney Greater Western Sydney Port Adelaide Fremantle

Last week: 6

TIPSTER

TOTAL: 18

Collingwood Geelong Gold Coast Brisbane Lions North Melbourne Greater Western Sydney St Kilda Fremantle

(GMHBA Stadium)

SATURDAY APR 5 Gold Coast vs. Adelaide

(People First Stadium)

Richmond vs. Brisbane Lions (M.C.G.)

Nth Melbourne vs. Sydney (Marvel Stadium)

SUNDAY APR 6 GWS Giants vs. West Coast (ENGIE Stadium)

SPORTFIRST

5752 1151 47 Clyde St, Myrtleford 104 Gavan St, Bright

www.ovib.com.au

Geelong vs. Melbourne

Paul Maskell

OVENS VALLEY INSURANCE BROKERS

Last week: 6

TOTAL: 19

Collingwood Geelong Adelaide Brisbane Lions Sydney Greater Western Sydney St Kilda Fremantle

Steve Prince

5752 1255 3 Ireland St Bright

Last week: 6

TOTAL: 20

FRIDAY APR 4

Mark Ditcham

Port Adelaide vs. St Kilda

5752 1023 69 Clyde St Myrtleford

(Adelaide Oval)

Fremantle vs. W Bulldogs

www.myrtlefordsportsandtoys.com.au

Last week: 7

(Optus Stadium)

TOTAL: 17

LEADERBOARD

Collingwood Geelong Gold Coast Brisbane Lions Sydney Greater Western Sydney Port Adelaide Fremantle

After

ROUND 03

Amanda Toner.................................20 TIPSTER

Gerard Gray

TIPSTER

Alanna McLees

Helen Haines MP............................20

HALLIDAY SOLICITORS

5755 1307 20 Ireland St Bright

5755 1944 107 Gavan St Bright

5752 2874 97 Myrtle St Myrtleford

Mark Ditcham ..................................19

www.hallidaysolicitors.com.au

Steve Prince......................................18

TOTAL: 17

Collingwood Geelong Gold Coast Brisbane Lions Sydney Greater Western Sydney Port Adelaide Fremantle

TIPSTER

Cameron Alexander ALEXANDERS FIRST NATIONAL

www.dickensrealestate.com.au

Last week: 6

TIPSTER

DICKENS REAL ESTATE

www.brightfirstnational.com.au

Last week: 5

TOTAL: 17

Carlton Geelong Gold Coast Brisbane Lions Sydney Greater Western Sydney Port Adelaide Fremantle

Elley Fraser

TIPSTER

Last week: 6

TOTAL: 16

Collingwood Geelong Gold Coast Brisbane Lions North Melbourne Greater Western Sydney Port Adelaide Fremantle

Geoff Zach

TIPSTER

Rebecca Healey ..............................19 Paul Maskell......................................17 Gerard Gray .......................................17 Cameron Alexander ......................17 Alanna McLees ................................16

Mark Knobel

FOUR PEAKS REAL ESTATE

BELMORES

MYRTLEFORD NEWSXPRESS

0400 494 128

5752 2288 1-7 Albert St Myrtleford

5752 1250 21 Clyde St Myrtleford

E: elley@fourpeaksrealestate.com.au

www.belmores.com.au

www.newsxpress.com.au/stores/newsxpress-myrtleford

Elley Fraser........................................16 Geoff Zach .........................................16 Mark Knobel......................................15 Jo Ross-Jackson ..............................14

Last week: 5

TOTAL: 16

Collingwood Geelong Gold Coast Brisbane Lions Sydney Greater Western Sydney Port Adelaide Fremantle

TIPSTER

Last week: 5

TOTAL: 16

TIPSTER

After

ROUND 03 Brian Grenfell

JO ROSS-JACKSON HEARING CENTRE

MYRTLEFORD HOTEL

5752 2817 29 Clyde St Myrtleford

0497 534 278 67 Standish St Myrtleford

Last week: 7

www.jrjhc.com.au

TOTAL: 14

www.facebook.com/@myrtlefordhotel/

Last week: 3

TOTAL: 15

AFL LADDER

Carlton Melbourne Adelaide Brisbane Lions Sydney West Coast St Kilda Western Bulldogs

Jo Ross-Jackson

Last week: 5

TOTAL: 11

Hawthorn ................................16 Adelaide ...................................12 Brisbane Lions ......................12 Gold Coast ................................8 GWS Giants ..............................8 Collingwood .............................8 St Kilda .......................................8

Brian Grenfell ................................... 11

W Bulldogs ................................8 Geelong ......................................4 Nth Melbourne........................4 Sydney........................................4 Port Adelaide ...........................4 Fremantle .................................4 Essendon...................................4 Richmond..................................4 Carlton........................................0 Melbourne ................................0 West Coast ...............................0

Page 28 - THE OBSERVER / TIMES, Wednesday, April 2, 2025

myrtlefordtimes.com.au

THE ALPINE

MYRTLEFORD

ªxHRLEOHy1230 3z

3 McGeehan Crescent, Myrtleford. AH: 5752 2198

3 McGeehan Crescent, Myrtleford. AH: 5752 2198

GIANT SLAYERS Bright’s senior football side shocked the compeition after defeating the reigning senior premiers Greta at home in round one of the O&K season. The Mountain Men came from the clouds to record a nine-point win.

■ Story page 25.

PHOTO: Richard Xerri

Lions roar Whorouly knock off 2023 football premiers, 2024 netball premiers in round one of O&K

THERE’S plenty to be excited about out at the Den this season.

Whorouly’s senior football squad sent a message to the competition in their first outing, after the Lions recorded a massive 56-point win over the fancied Bonnie Doon Bombers.

After a recruiting blitz in the offseason, the Lions looked the goods after stunning the Bombers 12.7 (79) to 3.5 (23).

The recruits made their presence known early, with Max Scott, Russ Eden and the back line holding firm,

BY NATHAN DE VRIES

ndevries@ nemedia.com.au

while the forwards presented well.

Senior coach Michael Newton was dominant inside forward 50, looking solid above his head and kicking true to finish with a bag of six goals.

Ed Woolford stood tall in the ruck, while Abe Ankers and Jessie Smith worked hard in and around the contest.

Alpine

COVERING THE ALPINE VALLEYS AND HIGH COUNTRY

As the game wore on, tensions flared, the heat of the contest leading to some free kicks and easy goals for the Bombers.

Luke Berriman was best on for the visiting Bombers, with Guy Murray, Peter Cairns and Jayjay Curtain good as well.

The result is a massive turnaround from the last time the Lions played the Bombers, a reversal of fortunes to the tune of 223 points.

The earlier reserves game went less well for the Lions, downed by

The Alpine Alive supplement is the ultimate guide for locals and visitors alike, who are keen to explore everything the wonderful Alpine Valley and High Country has to offer.

16 points 5.9 (39) to 7.13 (55).

Whorouly started well but the back line was a tad loose, allowing the Bombers some easy shots on goal.

Matt Harris was best on ground, while Ben Harrington and Jon Pethybridge kicked two goals each.

Over on the netball court, the Lions produced a stunning upset in the A grade competition.

Reigning A grade premiers Bonnie Doon was humbled by the fierce Lions, with Whorouly taking the win 52-40.

■ Continued page 23

Whether it be local events, food and wine or exploring the region’s many natural attractions, Alpine Alive provides a comprehensive guide of things to do and see.

The new format Alpine Alive will be printed in full colour on premium white newsprint and will be published six times a year to coincide with key visitor times and local events.

As well as being inserted into the Myrtleford Times and Alpine Observer, the supplement will also be a stand alone publication with 500 extra copies being distributed at key tourism/visitor locations across the Alpine Shire and Visitor Information Centres throughout North East Victoria.

Perfect start for Bombers A NEW season has begun and Dederang-Mount Beauty’s A grade netball side have continued their winning ways with a comprehensive defeat of Rutherglen at Barkly Park last Saturday.

The Bombers, who have retained all but one of last year’s squad and regained gun defender Danielle Beer in the off-season to strengthen their chances of reaching successive finals campaigns, have already found their groove early on with a 47-18 victory away from home.

A determined DMB team were hoping to hit the ground running and did just that with an early seven-goal lead, followed by a 21-8 scoreline at half-time.

The margin extended to 21 goals to put the result beyond doubt in the third quarter, but Rutherglen rallied late to produce their best quarter in the last as the Bombers sealed a 29-goal win.

Alysha de Koeyer (30 goals) and Keely Bullivant (17) combined to dominate inside the circle, while Beer and Emily Jansen van Beek resumed their defensive partnership from 2023 with great success.

Dederang-Mount Beauty’s senior football side could not repeat the success of their peers on the court as a Rutherglen outfit at home, who are expected to improve in 2025, were far too good for the Bombers in their opening match of the season.

DMB made a bright start in the first quarter, and were only trailing by a single point at the first break, but conceded six second-quarter goals, then thirteen further majors in the second half without scoring one of their own, which ended in a 20.24 (144) to 1.3 (9) defeat.

Mitch Sivell opened the Bombers’ account with an early goal, while Clancy Lloyd, Emerson Lemkau and Jacob Ozolins were amongst the best players in what was a tough start to their campaign.

Dederang-Mount Beauty will welcome Wahgunyah to Mount Beauty this Saturday for their first home game of the season.

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